With a growing understanding of music’s profound influence on wellbeing, orchestras are finding meaningful roles in addressing community health needs. Over the last few years, the San Diego Symphony has been stepping into this new territory with Music Connects chamber concerts. These programs go beyond welcoming audiences into our venues. We bring music directly to those who need it most, focusing these performances for partners in health care, the justice system, binational connections, seniors, and the military.

On October 29, a San Diego Symphony string quartet—violinists Kenneth Liao and Kate Hatmaker, violist Jason Karlyn, and cellist Nathan Walhout—brought the joy of live music to Sharp Memorial Hospital. Presented through Sharp’s Arts for Healing program, the concert offered moments of comfort and connection for patients, guests, and staff. During the 2025-26 season, the Symphony’s Music Connects program will present 14 concerts, sharing the power of music throughout the region.