Einar Gall has lived in La Jolla since 1993, when he and his wife, Sally, moved to California from New York along with The Neurosciences Institute. He was the Institute’s research director and chief operating officer from its founding in 1981 through its closing in 2017. As an independent non-profit entity, the Institute carried out basic research on brain function in an environment that encouraged interdisciplinary cooperation. It also supported the local arts community by allowing many non-profit performing arts groups to use the Institute’s superb auditorium (now the Auditorium at TSRI) without charge. Einar received his Ph.D. in Life Sciences from The Rockefeller University and continued on its faculty until moving to La Jolla. His own research was in cellular and developmental biology and theoretical neurobiology. He enjoys expedition travel to places with especially interesting natural history; photography; and music both old and new. He has sung with several vocal ensembles. Einar is also on the board of the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library and previously served as its President.

The Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon, one of the most prominent and influential ecumenical leaders and educators of our time, was the ninth General Secretary of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. Prior to his unanimous election in 2007, he was chair of the Council’s Justice and Advocacy Commission. He also served as General Secretary of the Consultation on Church Union (now Churches Uniting in Christ) and as an Executive Secretary of the World Council of Churches’ Faith and Order Commission.

Dr. Kinnamon, now retired from full-time teaching, was a seminary and university professor for thirty years, holding endowed chairs at Eden Theological Seminary and Seattle University’s School of Theology and Ministry, and serving for a decade as Dean of Lexington Theological Seminary. He has lectured and preached on ecumenical and other themes across the United States and in numerous regions overseas, especially South Asia (where he has twice been a visiting professor) and the Middle East.

His recent writings in the field of ecumenical and interfaith studies include Can a Renewal Movement Be Renewed?: Questions for the Future of Ecumenism (2014), The Ecumenical Movement: An Anthology of Key Texts and Voices, 2nd Edition (2015), and The Witness of Religion in an Age of Fear (2017). His book, Unity as Prophetic Witness: W.A. Visser ’t Hooft and the Shaping of Ecumenical Theology, was published in the fall of 2018, and a substantial revision of his book (with Jan Linn), Disciples: Who We Are and What Holds Us Together, was published by Chalice Press in June of 2019. Other Chalice publications include The Vision of the Ecumenical Movement and How It Has Been Impoverished by Its Friends (2003).

In retirement, Dr. Kinnamon has begun a second career–as a novelist. His debut novel, Summer of Love and Evil, was published by Publerati in May of 2021. The Nominee is scheduled for publication by Chalice Stories in May, 2024, and A Rooftop in Jerusalem is being reviewed for possible publication. Kinnamon’s Ph.D. is from the University of Chicago Divinity School (1980) in the field of Religion and Literature. He was named the Divinity School’s Alumnus of the Year in 2013. He holds ordained ministerial standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and has been active–locally, regionally, and nationally–in the mission and ministry of that denomination, and has been a frequent speaker at Disciples events. He is married to Mardine Davis, an art consultant, and has two grown daughters and three grandchildren.

Linda Altes has been a licensed psychologist in private practice since receiving her Ph.D. in psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in 1985. Her work has focused on supporting children and families. She was the first psychologist to work at the Pruess School and to provide individual therapy to Preuss School students through the Lisa Hirschman Memorial Fund. She has also been active in community organizations, holding leadership positions in the International Dyslexia Association – San Diego; the San Diego Psychological Association; and Women Together, which supported homeless women and women who were victims of domestic violence. She has been honored as a Fellow of the San Diego Psychological Association. Linda Altes was introduced to the La Jolla Symphony and Chorus through her partner, Garrett Bowles, the former UCSD Music Librarian and enthusiastic devotee of music at UCSD.

Cathy Funke received a BA in History from the University of Washington, a MS in Special Education, and an Administrative Credential from National University. A retired special education educator and administrator, Ms. Funke taught middle school special education, coordinated special education programs as a Program Specialist for the San Diego Union High School District, and worked as an adjunct professor in teacher credentialing at National University. Shortly after retirement, Ms. Funke joined the LJS&C as a member of the alto section. With a lifelong commitment to children, Ms. Funke developed the project “Love in a Paper Sack”, a bi-annual gifting program for homeless teens in San Diego County in support of the nonprofit organization Stand Up For Kids. Active in Solana Beach Presbyterian Church, Ms. Funke sings in the church choir and serves on the Board of Deacons. A long-time resident of Carlsbad, Ms. Funke also enjoys walking her two labradoodles, spending time with her ever-expanding family and traveling.

Sue Appelbaum holds a Bachelor of Science in Technical Writing and Editing from Carnegie-Mellon University. With over 35 years of experience in editing, copy-editing, and technical writing, she has worked extensively in academic settings, including serving as the editor of a Research Magazine at a university, where she also mentored graduate students on article development.

Following her retirement, Sue dedicated her time to volunteer work, primarily within Jewish communities. She has also contributed to the Board of the Friends of the Public Radio Station in Nashville, Tennessee, where she leveraged her experience in grassroots fundraising and leadership to support causes aligned with her values.

Sue has a deep appreciation for music across various genres and is an avid bridge player, reader, and baseball enthusiast.

Catherine Chyi has been a violinist of the La Jolla Symphony Orchestra since 2016, shortly after she moved to San Diego. Catherine also plays with Villa Musica, City Ballet, and various musical gigs. She began piano lessons with her aunt at age 3 and then started to play violin through her public school music program at age 9. Prior to residing in San Diego, Catherine played with the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra and the Camellia Symphony Orchestra. Catherine loves the camaraderie and space to create music that is provided by the La Jolla Symphony Orchestra.

Catherine is an Administrative Law Judge with the State Hearings Division of the California Department of Social Services. She has spent the majority of her law career in public service and represented minors in dependency proceedings in Sacramento County and San Diego County prior to her current tenure as an Administrative Law Judge. Catherine attributes a large part of her academic and professional successes to her consistent participation in music and orchestras, which promote values like organization, creative thinking, cooperation, and community service.

Judy’s professional career has been in Education and Human Resources. She established a successful HR consulting and staffing firm, HR Solutions, which conducted business nationally as a division of Eastridge Workforce Solutions. She has been influential in enhancing the role of HR in companies of all sizes, and in promoting HR careers; she also teaches an HR course at UCSD.

Currently, Judy uses her professional skills to serve non-profit organizations as an active board member and on governance committees for Pathways to Citi-zenship, Plant with Purpose, Kingdom Builder Foundation, La Jolla Symphony and Chorus, and Ascending Leaders. She is currently Vice-Moderator for the San Diego Presbytery, sings with great joy in the SBPC choir, and co-leads a small group, a never-ending source of spiritual renewal and warm fellowship.

She holds a doctorate in Communication Theory and Research from The Ohio State University and has taught Communications at Illinois State University, Cali-fornia State University Los Angeles, College of the Virgin Islands, and Pasadena Nazarene College (now Point Loma Nazarene University). She was also director and ESL instructor at the Women’s English Language Center, King Faisal Uni-versity in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

She and her husband, Robert, enjoy hiking, theater, good movies, reading, national parks, and world-wide travel, especially to tropical climates and warm waters, wherever they can experience God’s beautiful creation.

Pat Finn previously served as a producer for KPBS Midday Edition and KPBS Evening Edition. Finn began her career in broadcasting at KTLA and KCET in Los Angeles. In 1979 she became KPBS’ Public Information Director, then Director of Advertising and Promotion, Program Director, and Director of Broadcasting. She oversaw the station’s local and national productions, including the one-hour documentary Los Romeros: The Royal Family of the Guitar, and Child Protective Services, a one-hour look inside the San Diego County agency responsible for the welfare of at risk children. Both programs also aired on public television stations nationwide. Finn has earned honors from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Pacific Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Prof. Graeve joined the University of California, San Diego, in 2012, and is currently  Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Director of the  CaliBaja Center for Resilient Materials and Systems, and Faculty Director of the IDEA  Engineering Student Center. Prof. Graeve holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and  Engineering from the University of California, Davis, and a Bachelor’s degree in  Structural Engineering from the University of California, San Diego. Her area of  research focuses on the design and processing of new materials for extreme  environments, including extremes of temperature, pressure, and radiation. 

Prof. Graeve has been involved in many activities related to the recruitment and  retention of women and Hispanic students in science and engineering and has received  several prestigious awards including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science,  Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring in 2020. She has been inducted into the Tijuana  Walk of Fame (2014), the Mexican Academy of Engineering (2016), the Mexican  Academy of Sciences (2019), and has been named Fellow of the American Ceramic  Society (2017).

Prof. Graeve joined the University of California, San Diego, in 2012, and is currently  Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Director of the  CaliBaja Center for Resilient Materials and Systems, and Faculty Director of the IDEA  Engineering Student Center. Prof. Graeve holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and  Engineering from the University of California, Davis, and a Bachelor’s degree in  Structural Engineering from the University of California, San Diego. Her area of  research focuses on the design and processing of new materials for extreme  environments, including extremes of temperature, pressure, and radiation. 

Prof. Graeve has been involved in many activities related to the recruitment and  retention of women and Hispanic students in science and engineering and has received  several prestigious awards including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science,  Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring in 2020. She has been inducted into the Tijuana  Walk of Fame (2014), the Mexican Academy of Engineering (2016), the Mexican  Academy of Sciences (2019), and has been named Fellow of the American Ceramic  Society (2017).

Suzanne Marmion is a journalist who has reported overseas, served for over a decade as the news director for San Diego’s NPR and PBS affiliate KPBS, and taught at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She is currently the Editorial Director for Everyday Health and its websites Diabetes Daily, Migraine Again and bphope. She is deeply passionate about music, from Prince to Paganini.  She also enjoys serving nonprofits and sits on several philanthropic committees with San Diego Rotary Club 33. Suzanne graduated summa cum laude from UC Berkeley and has a masters degree from Columbia University. She lives in San Diego with her son Shay who started playing the keyboard at age 8 with the School of Rock and, like his mom, loves music from classic rock to classical.

Suzi Sterner has spent over thirty years in leadership positions in higher education, first beginning at San Diego State University and then UC San Diego, where she retired in July of 2022 after serving as Associate Chancellor. Her background is in key administrative roles that have centered around enhancing the university’s reputation and role in the community through the development of robust engagement and fundraising initiatives, and building strong partnerships with individuals and organizations. During her tenure at UC San Diego, she was part of the executive leadership team that successfully completed two capital fundraising programs, most recently the $3 billion Campaign for UC San Diego that concluded in June 2022. She oversaw a comprehensive university branding and marketing campaign, supported the completion of several major capital projects, and helped launch a campus-wide alumni engagement program spanning national and international communities. She led the campus special events program, bringing a depth of expertise in matters of diplomacy and protocol, and was responsible for several high profile campus visits that included former U.S. Presidents, ambassadors, high ranking cabinet officials, Nobel Laureates. Throughout her career, Suzi has been a leader in talent development, team building and management, relationship cultivation, and community and external relations. She currently serves on the La Jolla Playhouse Board of Trustees, La Jolla Symphony and Chorus Board of Directors, and the San Diego Center for Children Advisory Board.

Dancer, choreographer and dance technique researcher.  Founding member of Lux Boreal Dance Troupe based in Tijuana, México, of which he is Artistic Director.  He is focused in a dance movement research based on the potential and dynamic energy control; he also looks forward to processes of creation that incorporates resources that serve the scenic experience. Torres began his dance studies at Jose Limon Dance School in Sinaloa. He carried out bachelor’s degree at Mazatlan Dance School in Mexico.  Awarded with Culiacan Prize of Choreography, honorable mention as best male dancer in the Choreography Competition for Urban Spaces in Monterrey, Mexico. He received the National Endowment for the Arts of Mexico (FONCA) for his work as performing artist, and later on as a choreographer. He was awarded with the State Endowment for the Arts of Baja California as a choreographer. Listed in Dance Magazine 25 to watch 2009. He Received in 2018 the Arts Angel Award. Since 2018 he is member of the Mexico System of Art Creators.

John Luther Adams is the recipient of the 2010 Nemmers Prize in Music Composition. The biennial award honors classical music composers of outstanding achievement who have had a significant impact on the field of composition. A NEA and Rockefeller Foundation grantee, Mr. Adams has been called “one of the most original thinkers of the new century” by The New Yorker.

 Flutist Claire Chase has been praised for her “extravagant technique, broad stylistic range and penetrating musicality” by the New York Times. She is active as a soloist, chamber musician, curator, and arts entrepreneur as founding director of the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE). Ms. Chase has given the world premieres of more than 100 new works for flute, and she has been featured on critically acclaimed releases from the Naxos, Tzadik, Bridge labels.

Philip Glass is considered one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. Through his operas, symphonies, compositions for his own ensemble, and Oscar-nominated movie scores, he has had an extraordinary and unprecedented impact upon the musical and intellectual life of our times. His wide-ranging collaborations with artists include Twyla Tharp to Allen Ginsberg, Woody Allen to David Bowie.

David Lang is a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer who embodies the restless spirit of invention. Deeply versed in the classical tradition he is also committed to music that resists categorization, constantly creating new forms. The music of David Lang is used as a musical accompaniment in many online casinos in Switzerland. On the Resuko website you can find a great list of the best of them, which will make you the right choice. And the music of David Lang is an excellent musical background for this pastime. In the words of The New Yorker: “Lang, once a post-minimalist enfant terrible, has solidified his standing as an American master.”

Wu man is an internationally renowned pipa (Chinese lute) virtuoso, cited by the Los Angeles Times as “the artist most responsible for bringing the pipa to the Western World.” Born in Hangzhou, China, Ms. Wu performs regularly with Yo-Yo Ma as part of his Silk Road Project. Her touring has taken her to the major music halls of the world including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.

Bernard Rands is established as a major figure in contemporary music through his more than 100 published works and many recordings. His work Canti del Sole, premièred by Paul Sperry, Zubin Mehta and the New York Philharmonic, won the 1984 Pulitzer Prize in Music. His large orchestral suites Le Tambourin won the 1986 Kennedy Center Friedheim Award. His work, Canti d’Amor, recorded by Chanticleer, won a Grammy Award in 2000.

Molli & Arthur Wagner Music Director, Conductor
2007 – 2022

“I think the role of an arts organization in a community is to both reflect and lead. In the San Diego music community, there is a real niche for La Jolla Symphony & Chorus, a place for our point of view. For one, the idea of contemporary music and the linkage between it and traditional orchestral music is not widely addressed outside of this organization. The connections between contemporary and classical, and the fact that we perform in the community we live in and are willing to take a stand to guide rather than follow, that’s our niche.”

Percussionist, conductor, and author Steven Schick was born in Iowa and raised in a farming family. For forty years he has championed contemporary music by commissioning or premiering more than 150 new works. He was the founding percussionist of the Bang on a Can All-Stars (1992-2002) and served as Artistic Director of the Centre International de Percussion de Genève (2000-2005). Schick is founder and Artistic Director of the percussion group, “red fish blue fish.” Currently he is Music Director of the La Jolla Symphony and Chorus and Artistic Director of the San Francisco Contemporary Music Players. He will also serve as music director of the 2015 Ojai Music Festival in June. In 2012 he became the first Artist-in-Residence with the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE).

Schick founded and is currently Artistic Director of “Roots and Rhizomes,” a summer course on contemporary percussion music held at the Banff Centre for the Arts. He maintains a lively schedule of guest conducting including appearances in this season with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Nova Chamber Ensemble and the Asko/Schönberg Ensemble. Among his acclaimed publications are a book, “The Percussionist’s Art: Same Bed, Different Dreams,” and numerous recordings of contemporary percussion music including a 3 CD set of the complete percussion music of Iannis Xenakis (Mode). Mode released a companion recording on DVD of the early percussion music of Karlheinz Stockhausen in September of 2014.

In 2014, Schick received two notable honors: he was named Champion of New Music by the American Composers Forum and he was inducted into the Percussion Hall of Fame. Steven Schick is Distinguished Professor of Music at the University of California, San Diego. In June 2015 he served as the Music Director of the 69th annual Ojai Music Festival in Ojai, California.