News Summary
Rose Lombardo, the principal flutist of the San Diego Symphony, is set to perform at La Jolla Music Society’s SummerFest. Scheduled for two concerts this weekend, she will showcase works by Shostakovich, Beethoven, and Ravel. Lombardo, known for her musical versatility, has also collaborated with artists like Beck and Shaggy. This year’s performances hold special significance as she reflects on her musical journey and the joy of blending her passion for music with surfing, a sport she enjoys in her free time.
San Diego Symphony’s Principal Flutist Blends Music and Surfing at SummerFest
San Diego – Rose Lombardo, the principal flutist of the San Diego Symphony since 2012, is set to perform two concerts this weekend at La Jolla Music Society’s SummerFest. Lombardo’s performances at the Baker-Baum Concert Hall are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, featuring a repertoire that includes works by Shostakovich, Beethoven, and Ravel’s “Introduction and Allegro.” Tickets for the concerts are priced between $65 and $143.
This year, Lombardo has also performed with popular artists such as Beck and Shaggy at the Rady Shell, the outdoor venue of the San Diego Symphony. Renowned for her versatility and talent, she has been recognized by Inon Barnatan, SummerFest’s music director, for her skill across various musical styles, including orchestral and chamber music.
Having participated in SummerFest since 2019—excluding the 2020 festival—Lombardo expresses her anticipation for performing alongside Barnatan, who she regards highly. She recalls her inaugural SummerFest season featuring George Crumb’s “Voice of the Whale,” which integrated electric instruments. She values her role within San Diego’s vibrant music scene and relishes opportunities to collaborate with fellow musicians.
Background and Musical Journey
Born in Framingham, Massachusetts, and raised in Norwell, Lombardo’s musical education began at the New England Conservatory Preparatory School. She later honed her craft at the Juilliard School under the guidance of Jeffrey Khaner and at Colburn School with Jim Walker. Significantly, Lombardo became the principal flutist of the San Diego Symphony at the age of 23, a milestone she reflects upon with pride. As a member of a dynamic flute section, she enjoys working collaboratively with flutists Sarah Tuck and Lily Josefsberg.
Under the direction of Rafael Payare, the San Diego Symphony has flourished, allowing Lombardo the freedom to explore a diverse array of repertoire. Her dedication to both music and surfing enriches her performances, as she draws parallels between the two pursuits. Lombardo began surfing after relocating to San Diego and likens the exhilarating feeling of catching a wave to the thrill of playing in a live orchestra.
Personal Life and Community Involvement
In her professional life, Lombardo has adjusted her schedule to accommodate early morning surf sessions prior to rehearsals. This blend of interests reflects her commitment to maintaining a well-rounded lifestyle, enabling her to thrive both musically and athletically. Additionally, Lombardo has fostered friendships with fellow musicians, including Kate Hatmaker, a violinist and the executive director of Art of Elan, and has actively participated in various programs associated with their organization.
This year’s SummerFest not only showcases Lombardo but also includes fellow musicians from the San Diego Symphony, such as Julie Smith-Phillips, Jeremy Kurtz-Harris, and Cherry Yeung. As Lombardo prepares to perform, she expresses excitement for a closing nonet performance of Brahms’ Serenade in D Major, emphasizing the exceptional caliber of her ensemble.
Concert Details
The concerts at Baker-Baum Concert Hall, located at the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center in La Jolla, will take place this weekend. For those interested in attending, tickets can be acquired through the venue’s contact number and website.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego Union Tribune: Flute Standout Rose Lombardo
- Times of San Diego: Music Review Weilerstein & Barnatan
- San Diego Jewish World: Surprising SummerFest Concert
- Encyclopedia Britannica: SummerFest
- San Diego Union Tribune: Jessie Montgomery in SummerFest
- Google Search: San Diego Symphony

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