Mainly Mozart Debuts EVOLUTION Series in June

This June, as part of the 25th Anniversary of the San Diego Mainly Mozart Festival, experience Mainly Mozart's new innovative series Evolution. Mozart's music was the synthesis of the culture and social structure of his day. His genius reflected his world. But, what if Mozart were composing today? Evolution embraces that concept and celebrates today's musical innovator.

Led by renowned composer/pianist Stephen Prutsman, Evolution features international repertoire and acclaimed, cutting-edge artists who draw rave reviews. Evolution events will be held in distinctive venues in San Diego and Rancho Santa Fe, California, and Tijuana, Mexico: at The Abbey, in Downtown San Diego; the Valenti Estate in Rancho Santa Fe; Vista Hill's Stein Education Center for children and young adults on the autism spectrum; at Centro Cultural, Tijuana, and at Tía Juana Tilly's, Tijuana.

"A six-concert series and three outreach events, all within the umbrella of The San Diego Mainly Mozart Festival, Evolution is inspired by the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of Mozart's music," said Stephen Prutsman, Artistic Partner for Mainly Mozart's Evolution. "Taking quintessential Mozartian qualities - such as 'innovation", "generousness", "innocence", and "joy", the series looks to explore the music and genres of other composers and performers who share these values in music, though they belong to lands, times and musical languages different from Mozart's own. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey."

Featuring three distinct programs with some of the hottest names in Jazz, Blues, Folk and Chamber music today, Evolution is a natural extension of Mainly Mozart's mission over the past 25 seasons - to enrich the lives of today's and tomorrow's passionate music lovers by connecting them to genius and innovation in music performed by world-class musicians.

Artists performing in the "Mexico's Next Wave of Classics and Jazz" programs include the celebrated Latin vocalist Magos Herrera, singing jazz and blues and selections from her new album "Mexico Azul", and renowned musician Celso Duarte takes the stage with his Jarocha Harp. Virtuoso recorder/flutist Horacio Franco performs Bach and music of the Aztecs and Mayans, acclaimed Mexican violinist Cuauhtémoc Rivera presents legendary Mexican masterworks.

"Jazz by Classics" includes two incredible ensembles: the high energy, eclectic PROJECT Trio, who weave beatbox flute, funky cello, and lightning fast bass lines into one; and the passionate, dynamic, San Diego-based Hausmann Quartet. The program also features the San Diego and Mexico premieres of Stephen Prutsman's jazz standards for piano and string quartet.

"World Dances and Musical Movements" presents the sought-after singer/composer/guitarist Becca Stevens, called a "best kept secret" by The New York Times, and the electrifying chamber ensemble, The Declassified. Following a first half set by The Declassified which includes John Adams's engaging "Book of Alleged Dances" in which one can hear various musical genres, including bluegrass fiddle, jazz riff, and Latin rock, audiences will hear the first-ever performances of arrangements by Stephen Prutsman of some of Ms. Stevens' unique and unclassified songs performed by Ms. Stevens and the ensemble.

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