Unlock the extraordinary during an evening of celebration on Saturday, November 21.   

A great symphony orchestra is a powerful act of amplification—with individual musicians coming together to create something greater than themselves and leaving a profound impression on audiences. “Amplify,” the Symphony’s signature 2026 Gala at Jacobs Music Center in downtown San Diego, celebrates that spirit, bringing together remarkable artists, visionary supporters, and a shared belief in the power of music to transform lives. 

The one-night-only concert features the San Diego Symphony Orchestra performing under the direction of Music and Artistic Director Rafael Payare, joined by three-time Grammy Award-winning vocalist Isabel Leonard and special guest, two-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Jason Mraz.  

The 2026 Gala honors Raffaella Belanich, a long-time champion of the Symphony whose leadership and philanthropy helped advance transformative projects including The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park and the reimagining of the Jacobs Music Center.  

The San Diego Symphony has enriched the community for generations, and through the generosity of sponsors, the legacy lives on. Proceeds from the evening directly support the Symphony’s artistic initiatives and the education and community engagement programs throughout the region. 

"'Amplify' is about bringing people together to experience the energy and joy of live performance—and to celebrate what music makes possible," said Martha Gilmer, president and CEO of the San Diego Symphony.  

"From the moment guests arrive, every part of the evening is meant to celebrate artistry, imagination and the joy of live performance—from Isabel Leonard, Jason Mraz and our orchestra under Rafael Payare to exceptional food, a welcoming atmosphere and the chance to connect with friends who share a passion for music. It's an evening that could only happen here, and we're thrilled to honor Raffaella Belanich, whose generosity and leadership have helped shape the Symphony we know today."

The performance marks a return to the Jacobs Music Center Miller Family Theater for Leonard, who joined the San Diego Symphony Orchestra for the 2025-26 season opening weekend, singing the title role in Ravel's L'enfant et les sortilèges. Leonard is celebrated worldwide for performances that combine vocal brilliance, dramatic depth, and magnetic stage presence. Equally compelling in opera, concert repertoire, musical theater, and American song, Leonard has built a career defined by extraordinary versatility and emotional immediacy. 

Mraz, a longtime North County resident, performed at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park in 2024. The singer-songwriter is most famously known for his hits "I'm Yours" and "I Won't Give Up." His nonprofit, the Jason Mraz Foundation, supports programs focused on inclusive arts education and the advancement of equality. This year, Mraz released Grandma’s Gospel Favorites, an album of hymns and gospel standards originally recorded as a Christmas gift for his grandmother in 2007.  

The evening begins at 5 p.m. with cocktails and culinary experiences curated by celebrity chef Richard Blais, followed by the one-of-a-kind performance in the Jacobs Music Center’s Miller Theater, and a three-course dinner by acclaimed restaurateur Tracy Borkum of Urban Kitchen Group, before the evening concludes with music and dancing.   

You can learn more about Amplify here.

Individual tickets for “Amplify” can be purchased here.  

The San Diego Symphony gratefully acknowledges the leadership of the 2026 Gala Steering Committee:  

Michele Arthur 
Ross Caleca and Hayley Janecek 
Sandra and Henny den Uijl 
George C. Guerra 
Robert A. Rubenstein, M.D. and Marie G. Raftery 
Karen Foster Silberman and Jeff Silberman
Susan Tousi and Randy Camp 
Lisa and Michael Witz