The San Diego Symphony Orchestra is about to make history on the world stage. In spring 2027, music director Rafael Payare will lead 99 musicians on the orchestra’s first-ever European tour, carrying the celebrated “San Diego Sound” to five of the continent’s grandest concert halls over nine unforgettable days, from April 28 through May 6, 2027.
The journey opens in Barcelona at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palau de la Música Catalana, where Spanish pianist Javier Perianes joins the orchestra for Schumann’s Piano Concerto. From there the tour continues to La Halle aux Grains in Toulouse (April 30), the spectacular Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg (May 3), La Seine Musicale in Paris (May 4), and concludes at Dublin’s National Concert Hall (May 6). Internationally acclaimed violinist Leonidas Kavakos will star in Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in Toulouse, Hamburg, Paris, and Dublin.
The programs blend musical worlds: Gabriela Ortiz’s vibrant Kauyumari alongside Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, and Bartók. “The San Diego Symphony Orchestra has a voice with such brilliance and spirit, it should be heard in concert halls around the world,” said Payare. The landmark tour is supported by title sponsors Jean and Gary Shekhter. Happy City News congratulates the Symphony on this shining milestone!
Photo: San Diego Symphony
