What does it feel like to play for one of the world's leading orchestral musicians? For a handful of San Diego State University students, it was an opportunity they won't soon forget.  

“Having the opportunity to play for one of the best trombonists in the world was absolutely life-changing,” said Chris Klacka, San Diego State University tenor trombonist. “I got such a unique experience, which I never would have had access to without support like this.” 

Year-after-year the talented San Diego Symphony Orchestra musicians and world-renowned visiting artists step off the stage and into classrooms. Through the Dr. William and Evelyn Lamden Masterclass Series, the Symphony partners with San Diego State University’s School of Music and Dance to directly connect students with professional musicians. The series creates a space where aspiring artists can ask questions, test ideas, receive candid feedback, and learn from musicians who are actively shaping the field.

Internationally acclaimed trombone soloist Jörgen van Rijen stepped into a different role during his visit to San Diego: teacher. In a master class at SDSU's Rhapsody Hall, van Rijen worked one-on-one with several young trombonists, offering personal coaching and a chance to learn from an artist whose experience spans some of the world's great orchestras and concert halls.

Principal trombonist of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam and a member of the Lucerne Festival Orchestra, van Rijen is also an acclaimed educator. He was in San Diego to perform Jimmy López's Shift with the San Diego Symphony. But before taking the stage, he made time to share what he knows. 

Select trombonists took center stage at San Diego State University’s Rhapsody Hall to perform for van Rijen, who offered feedback and demonstrations. The students eagerly accepted his guidance as their peers watched and collected notes for their own practice.  

 

Chris Klacka and bass trombonist Aaron Cartas were two of the students able to work van Rijen as others listened in. Cartas echoed Klacka in calling the experience “life-changing.” 

Director of Learning and Community Engagement Stephen Salts coordinates the partnership with SDSU, getting a front row seat to the impact on students. 

“The Lamden Masterclass Series creates meaningful connections between exceptional professional artists and the next generation of musicians. These experiences provide invaluable coaching, inspire artistic growth, and build lasting relationships among students and the broader San Diego music community. The San Diego Symphony is deeply grateful for its partnership with SDSU and for the generous support of Dr. William and Evelyn Lamden, whose commitment makes these transformative experiences possible.” 

Connecting with the community through music and education is central to the Symphony’s mission. This Masterclass series is just one of many programs making music accessible to more people. This series is thanks to the generosity of Dr. William and Evelyn Lamden.  

Evelyn was in the audience that evening and witnessed the significance of their support. 

“We are honored to sponsor the Masterclass Program at SDSU supported by the San Diego Symphony. As a professional musician," said Dr. William Lamden, "I understand the importance of ensuring the future education and growth of student musicians, and this excellent program provides training and experience from Symphony guest artists, which are invaluable learning tools for the students." 

Their support is something that is felt by the students who were able to participate.

"I got such a unique experience," said Klacka. "Which I never would have had access to without support like this. Thank you!" 

---

Since February 2024, the Lamden Masterclasses have brought nine other artists to SDSU including Venezuelan trumpeter Pacho Flores, acclaimed British-Australian pianist Sir Stephen Hough, Guggenheim Fellow and composer Nicolás Lell Benavides, and San Diego Symphony’s Associate Principal Bassist Susan Wulff.