For its 14th season, Art of Élan welcomes change

Even for the always-adventurous Art of Élan, its 14th season will be traversing uncharted territory. The San Diego chamber-music nonprofit is facing the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic with its signature outside-the-box approach.

“In some ways, the pandemic suits us,” said Kate Hatmaker, Art of Élan’s executive director and artistic director. “We’ve always been nimble and able to adjust to different needs and climates. We look for silver linings, ways to turn our heads and look at opportunities in different ways.”

Some of those head-turning events include audience-will-travel neighborhood concerts; a cinematic exploration of music, art, and dance; and musicians playing among majestic sculptures.

The season’s theme, “Transformations,” was conceived in February, Hatmaker said.

“We were talking about this before the biggest transformation I’ve ever seen in my 42 years,” she said. “Now the theme is more relevant than ever.”

The season launches with a program called “Musical Migrations.” Think progressive dinners or — for local dance fans — Trolley Dances, where audiences traveled to individual performance sites.

“Usually, musicians come in and out while the audience stays in one place,” said Hatmaker, who also is a San Diego Symphony violinist. “This time, the audience moves around while the musicians perform. It’s the safest way.”

The first of the monthly concerts happens today and is sold out. The other two will be in La Jolla, in partnership with Murals of La Jolla and the Athenaeum Music and Arts Library; and in East Village, a collaboration with Vanguard Culture.

‘Fluid and flexible’

Forging partnerships is an important aspect of Art of Élan’s mission. One of its oldest partners has been with the San Diego Museum of Art, which hosts a virtual premiere Nov. 10.

No ordinary concert video, “Reflections” is a cinematic stroll through the museum’s galleries as musicians and dancers from the local troupe Disco Riot perform.

In early 2021, Art of Élan will present two 15-minute pop-ups at the museum. The composers include Iceland’s Anna Thorvaldsdottir and South Korea’s Unsuk Chin, now based in Berlin.

Art of Élan’s first full concert is planned for mid-March. Inspired by the location of the museum’s “Open Air” exhibit in the Sculpture Garden, the program will include Jonathan Bailey Holland’s “Forged Sanctuaries” and John Luther Adams’ “Make Prayers to the Raven.”

“It will be a big deal to play for an audience of 100 to 130,” Hatmaker said. “Obviously, given the virus, everything is tentative. We’ll have backup plans if we need them. We’ll be fluid and flexible.”

In the light of pandemic-related cancellations last spring, Art of Élan is determined to make good on its commitments to musicians and composers whose programs fell through.

They include acclaimed New York violinist Johnny Gandelsman, whose March concert was postponed. He will perform Bach’s complete cello suites, hopefully at The JAI cabaret space at La Jolla Music Society’s The Conrad.

In April, Art of Élan will partner with Lux Art Institute for the world premiere of “Hidden Mothers,” commissioned by Art of Élan for Boston-based composer Steven Snowden. Chicago’s Kontras Quartet, whose 2020 residency in San Diego was cut short, is scheduled to perform. The evening will also feature compositions by Shostakovich and New York’s Jessie Montgomery.

“Music is my connection to the world,” Montgomery said in statement. “It guides me to understand my place in relation to others. ... I imagine that music is a meeting place at which all people can converse about their unique differences and common stories.”

Headlining the season’s last program will be Grammy-nominated flutist, composer and vocalist Nathalie Joachim, a Haitian American, in the West Coast premiere of her hour-long piece, “Home.”

Known for frequent collaborations, Joachim will be playing with local musicians.

“Nathalie’s goal is to highlight the power of the human spirit and the beauty of Haitian people,” Hatmaker said. “It will be a privilege for us to introduce San Diego to her genius and artistry.”

The concert, part of Art of Élan’s “Crossfire” series, will be performed at Luce on Kettner, a recently opened venue in Little Italy.

In addition, Art of Élan continues its Young Artists in Harmony sessions in National City. The successful program teaches composition to underserved youth.

For Hatmaker, it’s one more step towards transformation.

“Since the beginning, Art of Elan has been committed to changing people’s perceptions,” she said. “There are many things as artists we’ve seen transformed since March. We’re putting a spotlight on how to be changemakers in the world.”

Art of Élan Season 14: “Transformations”

Oct. 11, 4 p.m.: “Musical Migrations.” Various La Jolla locations, addresses provided electronically. Pay-what-you-can; $20 suggested ticket price.

Nov. 8, 4 p.m.: “Musical Migrations.” Various East Village locations, addresses provided electronically. Pay-what-you-can; $20 suggested ticket price.

Nov. 10, 7 p.m.: “Reflections.” Online video premiere. San Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park (filming location). Free for SDMA members, $10 nonmembers, $5 students.

Jan. 15, 7 p.m.: Pop-up concert: “Identities.” San Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park. Free with museum admission.

Feb. 19, 7 p.m.: Pop-up concert: “Abstraction and Allegory.” San Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park. Free with museum admission.

March 16, 7 p.m.: “Open Air.” San Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park. $40 museum members, $50 non-members, $15 students.

March 29, 7 p.m.: “BaCH, featuring Johnny Gandelsman.” (6 p.m. pre-concert talk). The JAI, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. $75 table seating, $35 general admission, $20 general admission students.

April 15, 7 p.m.: “Art of Élan @ LUX.” Lux Art Institute, 1550 South El Camino Real, Encinitas. Tickets TBD.

May 4, 7 p.m.: “Impressions.” San Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park. $40 museum members, $50 non-members, $15 students.

May 27, 7 p.m.: “Crossfire.” Luce on Kettner, 2310 Kettner Blvd., Suite A, Little Italy. $40 reserved seating, $25 general admission, $15 general admission students (all tickets include one drink).

Because of the pandemic, all programs are subjected to change. For more tickets and more information, call (619) 692-2081 or go to artofelan.org

Wood is a freelance writer.