The Podium and Beyond: Demystifying the Art of Conducting
Concert-Lecture with Sameer Patel
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The Podium and Beyond: Demystifying the Art of Conducting
Music-Lecture presented by Sameer Patel
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
5:30–7:00 PM
Location: Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall Street, La Jolla 92037
Have you ever watched an orchestra performance and wondered what the conductor was actually doing?
Join Sameer Patel, Music Director and Orchestra Conductor of the La Jolla Symphony & Chorus and Artistic Director of the San Diego Youth Symphony, as he pulls back the curtain on the art and craft of conducting and the multifaceted role of the modern conductor.
In this presentation he will explore the leadership skills required on and off the podium, the artistic demands of interpreting both classic and contemporary works, and the personal journey that led him to pursue this unique career. He will also share his passion for nurturing the next generation of musicians and discuss the challenges of advocating for symphonic music in the 21st century.
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About Sameer Patel:
Recognized for his "profound artistry" (The San Diego Union-Tribune), Sameer Patel has established himself as one of America’s most exciting and versatile conductors. Whether leading world premieres or traditional masterworks, Patel brings an infectious enthusiasm for music-making that resonates with musicians, audiences, and students alike.
Sameer is currently the Music Director and Orchestra Conductor of the La Jolla Symphony and Chorus and Artistic Director of the San Diego Youth Symphony, where he is deeply devoted to innovative programming, championing contemporary music, and nurturing the next generation of musicians and music lovers.
His extensive guest conducting credits include prominent orchestras across North America and abroad, including the Symphony Orchestras of Chicago, Toronto, Detroit, St. Louis, Baltimore, and many others. His honors include recognition from Musical America, the Solti Foundation U.S., the League of American Orchestras, and The White House. A graduate of the University of Michigan, he counts as his mentors Daniele Gatti, Gianandrea Noseda, Paavo Jarvi, and the late maestros Bernard Haitink and Kurt Masur.
“Where words fail, music speaks.”
JOAN & IRWIN JACOBS
MUSIC ROOM
Athenaeum Music & Arts Library
1008 Wall Street
La Jolla, CA 92037
Music-lecture begins at 5:30pm and doors open 5 PM.
INDIVIDUAL TICKETS:
$37 member / $47 nonmember / $13 student
Online ticket sales are subject to ticketing fees.
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The lecture will be in person at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. There are no physical tickets for this event. Your name will be on an attendee list at the front door. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Seating is first-come; first-served. Priority seating will be given to Donor level members and above.
This event will be presented in compliance with State of California and County of San Diego health regulations as applicable at the time of each concert.
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Payment must be received in order to reserve a spot at a lecture.
Your reservation is not complete until you receive an email confirmation. If you do not receive a confirmation email, your tickets have not been reserved. Please check your inbox and spam/junk folder or contact us at info@ljathenaeum.org or (858) 454-5872 to ensure your booking is finalized.
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All ticket sales for Athenaeum Music & Arts Library events are final. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled event start time are not eligible for a refund, regardless of the reason for cancellation.
Guests who are unable to attend may:
Transfer their ticket to another individual, or
Request that the ticket price be converted into a tax-deductible charitable contribution to the Athenaeum, provided no goods or services (e.g., meal, entertainment) were received.
For cancellations made more than 48 hours prior to an event, please contact Anira Abreu, Program and Administrative Associate, to discuss options: aabreu@ljathenaeum.org
We appreciate your understanding and support. Ticket proceeds help sustain the Athenaeum's cultural programming and enable us to present exceptional performances, lectures, and events throughout the year.
Banner image: Sameer Patel