Inon Barnatan
Inon Barnatan’s Music Director Contract Extension with La Jolla Music Society SummerFest
The Israeli pianist Inon Barnatan will resume his role for an additional five years
Established in 1969, the La Jolla Music Society (LJMS) presents multi-genre performances and produces SummerFest, a four-week chamber music festival featuring over 80 international artists and ensembles.
Recently, LJMS announced the contract extension of its music director, Inon Barnatan, who will continue his role for the next five years through 2030. Appointed in 2018, Barnatan had succeeded violinist Cho-Liang “Jimmy” Lin, who had served the role for 18 seasons.
Barnatan’s tenure has included a highly successful SummerFest 2025, which involved 20 concerts and more than 50 free Learning and Engagement events.
As part of his new contract, he will oversee the jury that selects SummerFest Fellowship Artists annually from international applicants, and participate in set festival events, workshops, and concerts.
Previously, he was the inaugural Artist-in-Association of the New York Philharmonic for three seasons. As a soloist, he has performed with the LA Philharmonic and the BBC Symphony at the Proms in venues across the US, Europe, and Asia. He also tours with his frequent recital partner, cellist Alisa Weilerstein.
Among Barnatan’s accolades are the Avery Fisher Career Grant and Lincoln Center’s Martin E. Segal Award.
“Every SummerFest has felt like both a homecoming and a new beginning,” Barnatan said. “I’m thrilled to extend my role as Music Director and to keep exploring the music, ideas, and collaborations that make this festival so unique. The trust and enthusiasm of this community and the support from the staff of LJMS mean the world to me, and I’m excited for all that lies ahead!”
“Inon’s artistic vision has propelled SummerFest to new heights, uniting a vibrant community of world-class musicians, jazz artists, and dancers who are eager to share the stage with him,” added LJMS Artistic Director Leah Rosenthal. “I am delighted to continue this journey together over the next five years, particularly as we look ahead to celebrating our landmark 40th anniversary festival in 2026.”
The next SummerFest will return to The Conrad in La Jolla in July and August 2026.