The Laguna Beach Music Festival returns on February 8 – 10 at the Laguna Playhouse. Grammy-nominated pianist Joyce Yang serves as the 2019 Festival Director in her exploration of “Art Inspires Art,” which encompasses multiple disciplines – from live music to dance to visual art – all converging on one stage.

Blessed with “poetic and sensitive pianism” (Washington Post) and a “wondrous sense of color” (San Francisco Classical Voice), pianist Joyce Yang captivates audiences with her virtuosity, lyricism, and interpretive sensitivity. A Van Cliburn International Piano Competition silver medalist and Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient, Yang showcases her colorful musical personality in solo recitals and collaborations with the world’s top orchestras and chamber musicians.

Opening night is February 8 and features Joyce Yang and cellist Efe Baltacigil in a program of dance-inspired musical works. The second half features Aspen Santa Fe Ballet in “Dream Play,” a work by acclaimed choreographer Fernando Melo. 

On February 9, Grammy Award-winning violinist Augustin Hadelich and Yang showcase dance inspired pieces from various cultures in a duo recital built around André Previn’s “Tango, Song, and Dance.”

The Festival culminates on February 10 in a passionate musical exploration of romance-themed masterworks. In this pre-Valentine’s Day concert, special guests join Yang.

The 2019 Festival Artist Sponsor is Michelle Rohé. Festival Underwriters are Hung Fan and Michael Feldman, Joan Halvajian, Judith and Howard Jelinek, Lauren and Richard Packard. Concert Sponsors include Betsy and Gary Jenkins, M.D., Laguna Dance Festival, and Michael Ray. For more information and tickets, visit www.philharmonicsociety.org.