In a first of its kind event for the San Diego Symphony, the organization is previewing its 2015-16 season this week.
On Thursday, the symphony will present a "pay as you wish" event called Tastings.
It’s a one-hour concert of musical samples from performances planned for 2015-2016 season.
That's just one of the innovations included in the new season, which emphasizes the eclectic range of the San Diego audience. It's also a new season that welcomes the symphony's new CEO, Martha Gilmer, and prepares a farewell for music director Jahja Ling.
Gilmer said the Tasting event will allow attendees to experience something meaningful.
“You can see the different styles,” Gilmer told KPBS Midday Edition on Tuesday. “If you don’t like this (style), well, five minutes later, there’s something else.”
Attendees will also have the opportunity to pay any amount they wish for the Tastings event. Gilmer said the “pay as you wish” concept increases the symphony’s accessibility.
Gilmer joined the San Diego Symphony about six months ago after a 34-year career at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She described the San Diego musicians as having a special relationship with one another.
“It’s a really phenomenal ensemble,” Gilmer said. “In addition to that, there’s a great humanity. They really enjoy being together. I’ve really had great pleasure in getting to know them.”
For more information about the San Diego Symphony, go to sandiegosymphony.org.
