Coronado Times

Autumn Concert Series: Robert Wetzel
2025-10-31 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Library’s Autumn Concert Series takes place on Fridays from September 5 to October 31. Each concert will begin at 1 pm in the Winn Room. Doors will open 15 minutes prior to the performance. On October 31, we will have Robert Wetzel on guitar, performing Guitar Fantasy Through the Centuries.

Robert Wetzel was born of Dutch and Indonesian lineage. He started playing piano at age eight, acoustic steel-string guitar and electric guitar at age eleven, and then he began serious study of the classical guitar at age fifteen which changed his life forever. In 1972, he began several years of private classical guitar studies with Spanish guitar virtuoso, Angel Romero, followed later by private guitar studies with guitar maestros Celedonio Romero, Pepe Romero and Celin Romero. He still considers himself a disciple of the Romero family of master guitarists, and often states, “the master-disciple relationship is a lifelong affair.” Wetzel frequently performs as a soloist and with orchestral and chamber music groups. He is also the founding member of the award-winning Odeum Guitar Duo, that was established in 1994 with his well-known guitarist duo colleague, Fred Benedetti. Their second Odeum Guitar Duo CD, entitled Forgotten Romance, was officially chosen by NASA in 2016 to fly aboard the final flight of the United States Space Shuttle, THE ENDEAVOR, Mission STS-134, to the International Space Station launched on May 16, 2011, and the CD travelled there and back with additional orbits around the earth to complete mission objectives for a total of 6.5 million miles! Robert resides in San Diego County, where over the years he has been or presently is teaching the art of playing the guitar while on the musical faculties of Point Loma Nazarene University, University of California San Diego Extended Studies, SDSU, Cuyamaca College, Grossmont College, Southwestern College, Palomar College and Mesa College. He also teaches private guitar students online all over the world via video platforms. FANFARE Magazine described his guitar playing as, “…truly magical…realized the piece’s inherent fire…projection of instrumental color…delightful…”

Alchemy Concert
2025-11-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Ephraim Reitman started playing guitar at twelve years old and developed an affinity for Latin based music. He began playing with the local musicians in his Philadelphia neighborhood. At 15 he started studying percussion with Butch Ballard, a drummer for Count Basie and Duke Ellington, which in turn help his guitar playing. In 1976 he joined The Wire and Wood Band as a percussionist and vocalist. He is currently the percussionist for Elegencia Doub’le, a piano duo.
Don Boyd was born Pomona, CA (many, many decades ago). He attended Mount San Antonio College, Cal State Los Angeles. He studied Jazz and played in various Jazz groups and multiple Top-40 bands from 1977 through present day. Married Rita Boyd on June 25 1994 and moved to Oceanside in September 1994. He has three amazing children; Wyatt Boyd, Savannah Boyd and Gabriel Boyd (ages 24 – 28).
Ephraim and Donn met in the fall of 2022 and formed Alchemy shortly after, finding common musical ground in their love for blues, jazz, folk and Latin compositions.

Musica Vitale presents: Music on Fifth
2025-11-16 15:00 | Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1111 5th St, Coronado, CA 92118, USA, 301 5th St, United States
Described as “virtuosic and exhilarating, passionate and deeply moving,” the first performance of Coronado’s newest chamber concert series, Music on Fifth, was a standout success. Continuing the trend, its second performance on Sunday, November 16 at 3 pm, promises more excitement with compositions by Handel, Astor Piazzolla, Fritz Kreisler, Dmitri Shostakovich, and Alfred Schnittke. Located at Coronado’s Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1111 5th St., the concert is free, though donations are appreciated.
The brainchild of Musica Vitale’s founder and Music Director, Elena Vizuet, the series consists of vocalists from Musica Vitale, Coronado’s only professional vocal ensemble.
Accompanying the vocalists will be the Ghukasyan String orchestra from Ensenada, led by founder and first violinist Nonna Alakhverdova, violin professor at the Autonomous Ensenada University, Baja California. Rounding up the ensemble are pianist Olena Galytska, second violinist Eric Ghukasyan, and cellist Ruben Ghukasyan.
As Vizuet describes it, “This eclectic program offers something for everyone! Don’t miss a chance to immerse yourself in a beautiful sound of string instruments right in your neighborhood!”

Musical Storytime Takeover with Nightingale Music
2025-11-18 11:00 - 11:30 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Enjoy a special storytime takeover by Nightingale Music! We’ll play with lollipop drums, rainbow scarves, tambourines, maracas and more. Marvin the Monkey will come by and teach us the major scale and we’ll learn to stomp and dance like the elephants in the jungle. We’ll pop bubbles to the beat and have a guitar time sing-a-long. For ages 0-5 and their favorite adult.
Nightingale Music classes bring out your child’s natural ability for music and creates a relaxed, playful environment for learning, so don’t miss the fun Tuesday, November 18 at 11 am.
Toddler storytime will resume as normal after this fun takeover.

Artisans Alley
2025-12-06 09:00 - 15:00 | Village Elementary School, 600 6th Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The 52nd annual Coronado Artisans Alley Craft Fair includes a wide selection of more than 150 vendors selling homemade crafts and unique holiday gifts, food vendors, and live performances by the Coronado Elementary, Middle and High School Bands and Choirs!
All proceeds from the fair support the Coronado Band & Choir Boosters.
Donation suggested upon entry, which includes a raffle ticket.
Additional raffle tickets available for purchase.
All vendors donate an item to be raffled.
Entrance on H Avenue.

Concert Schedule
(Subject to Change)

10 am CMS BEGINNING BAND
10:30 am CMS ADVANCED BAND
11 am CHS BAND
11:30 am CMS MUSICAL THEATRE AND CHOIR
12 pm SILVER STRAND CHOIR

Coronado Philharmonia Holidays in Coronado concert
2025-12-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Coronado Performing Arts Center, 650 D Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Celebrate the holiday season with the Coronado Philharmonia at their 5th annual Holidays in Coronado Concert, taking place on Saturday, December 6 at 7 pm at the Coronado Performing Arts Center. Featuring the incredible Christopher Hollyday Jazz Quartet, this will be an unforgettable evening of music and cheer.
GET TICKETS

Holiday sing-along
2025-12-20 14:00 - 15:30 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Get into the spirit of the season as the Coronado Library hosts its annual holiday sing-a-long, with warm support from the Friends of the Coronado Public Library. Led by Crown City Chorale, a subset of Coronado’s Musica Vitale, all are encouraged to bring their singing voices — and holiday bells — to this festive event. Enjoy treats of cocoa and cookies provided by the Friends as we gather for an afternoon of music, laughter, and holiday cheer!

Villa-Lobos Festival Concert: "A Pasch Premiere - Three Friends in Rio"
2026-01-09 13:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Cellist Lars Hoefs and pianist Aline Alves come back to Southern California from Brazil, presenting their Villa-Lobos Festival. They will play music by a range of Latin American composers in this three concert series.
This year’s festival kicks off with the “A Pasch Premiere – Three Friends in Rio,” performed by the Blue Rose Trio. The Blue Rose Trio consists of Rose Chen on piano, Karl Pasch on clarinet, and Lars Hoefs on cello. Aline Alves will be featured on piano.
This concert is free and no reservations are required. Seating is first-come, first-served, general admission. Doors open at 12:45 p.m.
This concert is presented in partnership with Coronado Arts.

Villa-Lobos Festival Concert: "Brazilian Poetry, Eyes of the Beloved, and Bachianas Mexicanas"
2026-01-16 13:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Cellist Lars Hoefs and pianist Aline Alves come back to Southern California from Brazil, presenting their Villa-Lobos Festival. They will play music by a range of Latin American composers in this three concert series.
The second concert of this year’s festival, “Brazilian Poetry, Eyes of the Beloved, and Bachianas Mexicanas,” will feature a variety of musicians and instruments including: Daniel Parente, soprano, Daniel Kamon on saxophone, Ching-Ming Cheng on piano, Lars Hoefs on cello, Aline Alves performing poetry recitation, and Venus Rey Jr., a visiting composer and speaker.
This concert is free and no reservations are required. Seating is first-come, first-served, general admission. Doors open at 12:45 p.m.
This concert is presented in partnership with Coronado Arts.

Villa-Lobos Festival Concert: "The Pride of the Caribbean and Spanish Flair"
2026-01-30 13:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Cellist Lars Hoefs and pianist Aline Alves come back to Southern California from Brazil, presenting their Villa-Lobos Festival. They will play music by a range of Latin American composers in this three concert series.
This year’s finale, “The Pride of the Caribbean and Spanish Flair,” is a celebration of strings. This concert will feature Francisco Vila on the cello, Isaac Allen on violin I, Batya MacAdam-Somer on violin II, Travis Maril on viola, and Lars Hoefs on cello.
This concert is free and no reservations are required. Seating is first-come, first-served, general admission. Doors open at 12:45 p.m.
This concert is presented in partnership with Coronado Arts.

The Love Songs of Gregory Page
2026-02-06 13:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Get ready for Valentine’s Day as world-renowned troubadour, poet, and international touring and recording artist Gregory Page visits the Coronado Public Library for an afternoon of his timely and timeless original and re-imagined love songs. Please join us to experience the brilliant, romantic, nostalgic and evocative songbook of this true artist who captures his world travels (and our hearts) through the lens of music.

Coronado Philharmonia Orchestra celebrates Valentine’s Day with renowned cellist Paul Tseng in “Mon Valentin”
2026-02-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Coronado Performing Arts Center, 650 D Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Philharmonia Orchestra will hold a special Valentine’s Day concert featuring internationally acclaimed cellist Paul Tseng as guest soloist. This romantic evening, Mon Valentin, takes place on February 14 and promises an unforgettable celebration of passion, elegance, and musical artistry.
Tseng will perform two beloved masterpieces of the cello repertoire: Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1, a work of dazzling virtuosity and emotional intensity, and Fauré’s Élégie, a deeply expressive meditation on longing and beauty. Together, these works offer a program rich in lyricism and romantic depth — perfect for an evening devoted to love and music.
An internationally recognized artist, Paul Tseng has appeared in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Cairo Royal Opera House. A prize-winning chamber musician, he is a member of the acclaimed Delphian Trio and holds degrees from The Juilliard School and the Peabody Conservatory. Tseng also serves as Artistic Director of the San Diego Music Society, where he continues to champion innovative and inspiring musical experiences.
Audiences are invited to join the Coronado Philharmonia Orchestra for this enchanting Valentine’s Day performance — an evening where romance meets artistry in one of San Diego’s most intimate concert settings.
The 7 pm performance will follow a 6:30 pm pre-concert talk.
PURCHASE TICKETS: coronadophilharmonia.org

Musical fun with Nightingale Music
2026-02-26 11:00 - 12:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Enjoy a special musical hour Nightingale Music.
We’ll play with lollipop drums, rainbow scarves, tambourines, maracas and more. Marvin the Monkey will come by and teach us the major scale and we’ll learn to stomp and dance like the elephants in the jungle. We’ll pop bubbles to the beat and have a guitar time sing-a-long.
Nightingale Music classes bring out your child’s natural ability for music and creates a relaxed, playful environment for learning, so don’t miss the fun Thursday, February 26 at 11 am.

Duo Festudgioso Concert
2026-02-27 13:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Duo Festudgioso presents a diverse program for flute and guitar, exploring music from the Baroque to the contemporary era. The concert opens with Vivaldi’s elegant Sonata in F major, followed by the lyrical richness of Villa-Lobos in Bachianas brasileiras No. 5 and Distribuição de flores. Frederic Hand’s The Maverick brings modern rhythms and expressive interplay, and the program concludes with Piazzolla’s Histoire du Tango, a vivid journey through the evolution of tango from its early roots to the concert stage of today.

Duo Festudgioso is a San Diego–based flute and guitar duo formed by flutist Dr. Yana Yan and guitarist Dr. Ming-Jui Liu. The ensemble brings together the warm, intimate sonorities of flute and guitar, presenting music that is expressive, colorful, and approachable. Their repertoire spans Classical and Romantic works, folk-inspired melodies, and the rhythmic vitality of tango. Duo Festudgioso has performed at venues throughout Southern California, including Roxbury Community Center (Beverly Hills), Encinitas Library, Encinitas Community and Senior Center, and La Jolla/Riford Library.
Dr. Yana Yan, Flutist, is an active performer and dedicated educator based in San Diego. A winner of the 2024 La Jolla Symphony Emerging Artist Competition, she has appeared in concerts across the United States. In recent seasons, she has performed extensively in chamber recitals with her ensembles Duo Festudgioso and Connessa Collective throughout Southern California. Yan has held faculty positions at Augustana College and Black Hawk College. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Flute and Piano from the Wuhan Conservatory of Music, her Master of Music from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and her Doctor of Musical Arts from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. More information is available at yanayanflute.com.
Dr. Ming-Jui Liu, Composer and Guitarist, is a San Diego–based guitarist and composer whose work encompasses performance, composition, and pedagogy. His music and performances have been presented in Taiwan, the United States, and internationally across South America, Europe, and Asia. As a soloist and chamber musician, he has appeared at festivals and institutions including the I Seminário Internacional de Violão do IFCE, Long Island Guitar Festival, Qinling International Guitar Festival, and Résonance Guitar Music Festival, and has given a masterclass at Hunter College (New York). Liu holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from Stony Brook University. His album Nostalgia: Original Compositions & Arrangements I is available on major streaming platforms.

Peter Sprague plays The Beatles and Beyond
2026-03-06 13:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Peter Sprague plays The Beatles and Beyond featuring Rebecca Jade

Come together with us on a whimsical musical ride, featuring all-new arrangements of your favorite Beatles songs! Renowned guitarist Peter Sprague leads his exceptional ensemble in a reimagining of The Beatles’ timeless hits, blending the familiar melodies of the Fab Four with Peter’s innovative and jazzified creations. From there we launch into the beyond.

Peter Sprague — guitar
Rebecca Jade — voice
Danny Green — piano
Mack Leighton — bass

Duncan Moore — drums

Coronado School of the Arts 30th anniversary Gala, Emerald Expressions
2026-03-14 18:00 | Venue 808, 808 J Street, San Diego, CA, 92101, United States
Tickets are available for the Coronado School of the Arts 30th anniversary Gala, Emerald Expressions, Celebrating 30 Years of Creativity, taking place on March 14 at Venue 808 in Downtown San Diego.
Presented by the CoSA Foundation, the event promises to reflect the creativity, talent, energy, and excitement that define CoSA. “We have been working very hard to make this event memorable and special. All six conservatories will participate in the entertainment, there will be a plated dinner, live and silent auction, photo booth, and dancing to DJ-curated music,” shared CoSA Foundation President and event chair Linda Edison.
LEARN MORE HERE

Spring Fling Luncheon at the Spreckels Center
2026-04-08 12:30 - 14:00 | John D. Spreckels Center, 1019 Seventh Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Senior Association starts their 2026 luncheon events with a “Spring Fling Luncheon” on Wednesday, April 8 from 12:30 to 2 pm in the Grand Room of the John D. Spreckels Center. Our volunteers will be serving to the public chicken alfredo, garden salad, garlic bread, French macarons, coffee, iced tea, and water.
Come for some good food, socialization, oldies music, fun and a chance to win a door prize. The cost is only $5! All attendees of all ages must pre-register. The public may purchase tickets by paying at the Spreckels Center front desk, calling the front desk at 619-522-7343 or going online at www.coronado.ca.us/civicrec.
We hope to see you there for a hearty meal. Sign up soon to attend this economical event.
If you need a ride to this event or any other event, free rides for seniors in Coronado are available by contacting the Coronado Community Foundation at 619-389-5280 to register as a rider.
For more information contact the Spreckels Center staff at 619-522-7343.

Free community concert: CPO Woodwind Quintet
2026-04-17 18:30 - 22:30 | St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 700 D Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Enjoy the Coronado Philharmonia Orchestra’s Free Community Concert Series

CPO Woodwind Quintet

Performing: Amy Beach, Valerie Coleman, among other composers.

Musical Fun with Nightingale Music
2026-04-23 11:00 - 12:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Enjoy a special musical hour Nightingale Music. We’ll play with lollipop drums, rainbow scarves, tambourines, maracas and more. Marvin the Monkey will come by and teach us the major scale and we’ll learn to stomp and dance like the elephants in the jungle. We’ll pop bubbles to the beat and have a guitar time sing-a-long.
Nightingale Music classes bring out your child’s natural ability for music and creates a relaxed, playful environment for learning, so don’t miss the fun Thursday, April 23 at 11 am.

Spring Fling Opera Concert
2026-04-24 13:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Opera À la Carte San Diego presents Spring Fling, a joyful concert celebrating the beauty, renewal, and romance of the spring season. This lively program features a delightful mix of opera arias, art songs, musical theatre selections, and sparkling duets and ensembles inspired by springtime, flowers, and composers born in April.
From lyrical melodies to playful and passionate moments, Spring Fling captures the spirit of the season in music that is fresh, colorful, and full of life.
Featuring an outstanding roster of artists including:
Abla Lynn Hamza, soprano
Chelsea Seener Gornall, soprano
Danielle Perrault, mezzo-soprano
Lily Prado, soprano
Christopher Walters, baritone
Michele Scanlon, piano
Join Opera À la Carte San Diego for an uplifting evening of music that celebrates spring in full bloom.

Opera À la Carte San Diego is a women-run nonprofit opera company dedicated to making opera accessible, engaging, and affordable for the San Diego community. Featuring professional local artists, the company presents lively concert programs and fully staged productions that bring together opera, art song, and musical theatre in welcoming community venues throughout the region.

Trio Aquarelle Concert
2026-05-01 13:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Be inspired by the flute, cello, and piano in concert as Trio Aquarelle performs at the Coronado Public Library on Friday, May 1 at 1 pm. Trio Aquarelle takes its name from Philippe Gaubert’s luminous Trois Aquarelles — sharing a performance inspired by watercolors in this classical chamber music concert. This event is free to attend thanks to the support of the Friends of the Coronado Public Library and City of Coronado.
Seating is first come, first seated and doors open at 12:45 pm. Learn more at cplevents.org.
Formed by three musicians whose roots span different corners of the world, Trio Aquarelle brings a richly layered perspective to the chamber music stage. Elena Yarritu, of Japanese and Mexican descent, holds advanced degrees from Yale University and Stony Brook University, has studied and concertized throughout Europe, and performed at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall — her recordings on MSR Classics have been hailed as “fearsome and adventurous” and “jubilantly virtuosic.” Daniel Grab brings a globe-spanning energy to the ensemble — at home as principal cellist in Southern California concert halls and each summer on faculty at the Burgos International Music Festival in Spain. When not on stage, he can be found exploring the Southern California coastline in search of uncrowded waves, occasionally with a cello student in tow. Cho-Hyun Park, a native of South Korea, holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and took first prize at the Bartók-Kabalevsky-Prokofiev International Piano Competition in Italy, a distinction that led to her Carnegie Hall debut in 2015. Together, they move fluidly across a wide expressive range, from high-spirited virtuosity to moments of the most sublime lyricism — and it is precisely this diversity of background, temperament, and training that gives the ensemble its distinctive spark.
Central to Trio Aquarelle’s mission is a commitment to music that tells a fuller story. The ensemble actively champions works by women composers across the ages, believing that great music has always existed in more voices than history has acknowledged. They are passionate about bringing newly discovered and rarely heard works to light, programming them alongside the beloved standards audiences know and love — creating concerts that feel both like a homecoming and an adventure.
Trio Aquarelle invites you into their world — one where music transcends the familiar, carries you somewhere unexpected, and stays with you long after the last note fades.

Coronado Art & Wine Festival
2026-05-09
The Coronado Art & Wine Festival is a collaboration between the Coronado Schools Foundation and the Coronado Chamber of Commerce, two nonprofits bringing together vital areas of our community: the schools, the arts, and local businessses.
A family-friendly joyful celebration and showcase of art, wine, food, music, and community to benefit K-12 STEM classes
An afternoon dedicated to highlighting the finest artists from Southern California and beyond. Enjoy a captivating display of diverse art styles and mediums.
Multiple options to purchase tickets for wine tasting.
Volunteers are needed! Sign up HERE.
The best of Coronado will be on display at the fifth Coronado Art & Wine Festival

Musica Vitale and Friends
2026-05-09 19:00 | St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 700 D Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Musica Vitale closes its anniversary season with the birthday bash, celebrating 20 years of music making, friendships and collaborations.
On stage: Musica Vitale, Octet Vox Humana, The Ghukasyan String Orchestra and Crown City Chorale.
The program consists of choral and instrumental compositions by Schnittke, Briggs, Tchaikovsky, Khachaturyan, Poulenc and others.
Artistic Directors: Elena Vizuet, nonna Aladhverdova
TICKETS

Westwind Brass
2026-05-12 14:00 - 15:00 | John D. Spreckels Center, 1019 Seventh Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Enjoy an afternoon of lively entertainment as Westwind Brass brings their dynamic sound to the John D. Spreckels Center on Tuesday, May 12, from 2 to 3 p.m.
Known for their engaging performances and passion for brass music, the ensemble will present a program featuring a mix of American favorites. Audiences can expect a spirited selection of patriotic songs along with other upbeat selections, creating an energetic and enjoyable experience for all.
Admission is free; however, registration is required. To reserve a seat, visit coronado.ca.us/civicrec, call 619-522-7343, or stop by the front desk at 1019 Seventh Street.
Don’t miss this chance to experience the vibrant sounds of Westwind Brass and celebrate an afternoon of music and community.

“Flourish” fundraiser - an evening benefitting women and girls
2026-05-14 17:30 - 20:00 | Feast & Fareway, 2000 Visalia Row, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Soroptimist of Coronado’s first in-person fundraising event since 2019 will be an evening at Feast & Fareway showcasing an all-female musical performance by members of Lamb’s Players. For over 75 years, the Coronado Soroptimist chapter has worked to foster opportunities for women and girls to achieve educational advancement and financial independence. The Lamb’s performers are generously sharing their talents with the community in support of this mission. The event will take place on May 14, beginning at 5:30 pm.
Guests will be treated to songs originated by legendary female artists of the 1960s and 1970s, including “Beautiful” by Carole King, “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon, “Respect” by Aretha Franklin, and “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone.
Photo, L to R: Sydney Joyner, Natasha Reese, Joy Yandell-Hall, Angela Chatelain Avila. Courtesy photo
Kerry Meads, the Associate Artistic Director of Lamb’s Players Theatre shared, “We are honored to partner with Soroptimist International of Coronado for this special evening. Celebrating the voices of iconic female artists — performed by an all-women cast — beautifully reflects Soroptimist’s mission. We hope to inspire the community to come together in support of women and girls.”
The Coronado Soroptimist club invites long-time supporters and all fellow community members for this festive and meaningful evening — an opportunity to connect, celebrate, and raise vital funds for scholarships, grants, and educational programs that help women and girls flourish. There will be food, drinks, and a silent auction.
To attend, make a donation, or learn more about Soroptimist, visit coronadosoroptimist.org.
TICKETS

Mark Montijo Concert
2026-05-15 13:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
On Friday, May 15 at 1 p.m., San Diego Music Award nominee Mark Montijo will be at the Coronado Public Library sharing a performance inspired by the breadth of his experiences. He’ll be joined by multi-instrumentalist Lenny Bole, a longtime banjo player and skilled dobro and lap steel musician. As San Diego Troubadour writes, “Montijo’s voice breaks and falters unapologetically, delivering the weight of each moment with raw sincerity… lyrics… meticulously crafted — perfectly hewn… this feels like home.” This event is free to attend thanks to the support of the Friends of the Coronado Public Library and City of Coronado. Seating is first come, first served and doors open at 12:45 p.m. Learn more at cplevents.org.
After decades away from the spotlight, singer-songwriter Mark Montijo has returned with a quiet confidence that reflects both experience and restraint. First emerging in the 1960s club and festival scene, Montijo built his sound alongside a circle of musicians — some of whom would go on to national recognition — before stepping away from music entirely in the late 1970s to pursue business and political work. Encouraged by longtime friends and fans, Montijo recently reentered the studio, releasing a series of albums that have earned critical attention. His debut return, History, drew praise from American Songwriter, while subsequent releases have garnered songwriting awards and San Diego Music Award nominations. His latest work, Apricot Moon, continues that momentum with a nomination for Best Folk or Americana Song.
Joining him is multi-instrumentalist Lenny Bole, a seasoned banjo player whose talents extend to dobro, lap steel, and Weissenborn guitar. A former member of the touring band Montezuma’s Revenge, Bole spent years as a teacher before returning to music in retirement. Today, he performs regularly with local groups, including the bluegrass band Stay Tuned, and remains a sought-after collaborator.

Latin American Music for Cello and Flute
2026-05-20 11:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join flutist, Julia Barnett, and cellist, Kathleen Long, for a mix of flute and cello duos and solos by Latin American composers. Enjoy exciting works by Efrain Amaya, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Miguel Del Aguila, and more.

Music of Piazzolla concert
2026-05-23 15:00 - 16:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join the Library for a concert celebrating Latin Music Appreciation Month with an all-Piazzolla program, featuring his Estaciones Porteñas (The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires) for violin, cello, and piano, along with a selection of shorter works.
The performance brings together an accomplished trio: pianist Irina Bendetsky, a Moscow-trained concert artist and longtime San Diego educator; violinist and conductor Alyze Dreiling, an award-winning performer and artistic director; and cellist Lorie Kirkell, an acclaimed soloist and chamber musician with a distinguished West Coast career.
Doors will open at 2:45 pm.

Irina Bendetsky – Piano
Pianist Irina Bendetsky began her musical training in Moscow at the age of four. Her first teacher was a student of the renowned piano pedagogue Heinrich Neuhaus. After graduating from the prestigious Gnessin State Music College, she was accepted into the Gnessin Conservatory of Music, where she studied under Vladimir Tropp. In 1984, she graduated with the Red Diploma—an honor awarded only to those qualified as a concert pianist, accompanist, chamber musician, and teacher. Irina has performed with orchestras in both Russia and the United States, appearing as a soloist in concertos by Liszt, Ravel, Beethoven, Bach, and Shostakovich, as well as the famously demanding Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 (“Rach 3”). After relocating to San Diego in 1990, Irina joined the faculty at the University of San Diego, where she taught for ten years. She now runs a private teaching studio in San Diego. Her students have won international competitions and performed with major orchestras in Los Angeles, New York, and across Europe. As a sought-after accompanist, she has helped prepare many top musicians for elite competitions, including the International Tchaikovsky Competition In 2019, Ms. Bendetsky expanded her teaching practice to include remote instruction. In addition to teaching, Irina continues to perform in the San Diego area as part of Duo Yrion.
Alyze Dreiling – Violin/Viola/Conductor
Violinist/Violist/Conductor Alyze Dreiling, was born in Detroit, Michigan. She began her studies with Mischa Mischakoff. The Detroit Symphony and the Music Study Club of Metropolitan Detroit sponsored her education with Mischakoff. Ms. Dreiling graduated from Indiana University where she studied with Josef Gingold. She holds a BM in Violin Performance from Indiana University and MA from United States International University with an emphasis on Orchestral Performance. Ms. Dreiling was an invited semi- finalist in the European Union Conducting Competition in 2018. She has attended masterclasses with Zoltan Rozsnyai, Gunther Neuhold,, Neil Thomson and Dr. Scott Weiss and Philip Greenberg.She has won numerous prizes from The American Prize Competition for conducting. Ms. Dreiling is Artistic Director and Conductor of the New City Sinfonia, the Symphonic Orchestra for Civic Youth Orchestra (CYO), the North Coast Strings (NCS) and Grossmont College String Ensemble.Grossmont Symphony String Ensemble. Ms. Dreiling was also the founding Artistic Director and Conductor of Classics for Kids.
Lorie Kirkell– Cello
Lorie Kirkell is an acclaimed American cellist, who has developed a glowing career on the West Coast as soloist, recitalist, and chamber music player. After her studies on the East Coast with distinguished cellists Raya Garbousova and Bernard Greenhouse, she spent some time doing freelance work and repertoire development. She then came to the West Coast where she earned a Master of Arts degree in music at the University of California San Diego and studied with the well known cellist Peter Farrell. Her research into repertoire moved into the 20th century as well as performance practice of music of earlier times. After this, a long series of recitals and solo appearances began and continue with noticeable frequency and high critical acclaim. She has appeared as principal cellist with orchestras for the Bolshoi Ballet and San Francisco Ballet. Ms. Kirkell has performed at the Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse, Civic Theater, and with many other music organizations. She is the Director of the Novellus Ensemble.

"Honoring America" with the Coronado Philharmonia Orchestra
2026-05-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Coronado Performing Arts Center, 650 D Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Philharmonia Orchestra invites audiences to an inspiring evening of music and patriotism with its upcoming concert, Honoring America, on May 23 at 7 p.m. A pre-concert talk begins at 6:30 p.m., offering guests deeper insight into the program. The performance will take place at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, located at 650 D Avenue in Coronado.

Under the direction of Maestro Osvaldo Mendoza, the orchestra presents a thoughtfully curated program that celebrates the spirit and legacy of the United States in anticipation of the nation’s 250th anniversary. While often referred to informally as a sesquicentennial, this milestone is more accurately a semiquincentennial — marking 250 years since the founding of the country. This concert serves as a musical tribute to that historic occasion, blending beloved patriotic works with evocative American compositions.

The evening includes the iconic The Star-Spangled Banner, immediately setting a tone of reverence and unity. From there, audiences will be treated to the sweeping grandeur of a fanfare by John Williams, whose music has come to define modern American cinematic sound. The program continues with The Stars and Stripes Forever by John Philip Sousa, a rousing march that remains one of the most recognizable symbols of American musical pride.
A highlight of the evening is Quiet City by Aaron Copland, featuring guest soloist Ken Fitzgerald on trumpet. This introspective and haunting work captures the emotional landscape of urban life, offering a contrast to the more celebratory pieces on the program. Fitzgerald’s performance is expected to bring both technical brilliance and expressive depth to the stage.
The concert also includes Trumpet Concerto by William Perry, further showcasing Fitzgerald’s artistry and expanding the evening’s exploration of American musical voices. In addition, audiences will experience Lincoln Portrait, a powerful work that combines narration with orchestral music to honor President Abraham Lincoln and the enduring ideals he represents.
Rounding out the program is An American in Paris by George Gershwin, a vibrant and jazzy depiction of an American traveler’s experiences abroad. Its lively rhythms and colorful orchestration provide an energetic and joyful conclusion to the evening.
With its blend of patriotic favorites and masterful compositions, Honoring America promises to be both a celebration and a reflection — honoring the past while looking toward the future. For more information and tickets, visit Coronado Philharmonia Orchestra online at coronadophilharmonia.org.

Concert in the Park: Coronado Concert Band and Busted Spurs
2026-05-24 16:30 - 20:00 | Spreckels Park, 601 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
4:30 pm

Coronado Concert Band
An essential Coronado institution, the Coronado Concert Band delivers a rich mix of music and styles from patriotic through classical that displays its depth and versatility.
Sponsored by City of Coronado

6:30 pm

Busted Spurs
Our Newest Local Band brings the heart and soul of classic country to life with a high energy mix of hits from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s.
Sponsored by The Del Club
