Gustavo Romero Plays Sergei Rachmaninoff | 2025 Summer Festival | Athenaeum Music & Arts Library | Piano Concert Series in La Jolla

We are pleased to announce the dates for the 26th Athenaeum Summer Festival, a series of four concerts that will feature virtuoso pianist Gustavo Romero. Continuing a beloved tradition, this summer Gustavo Romero will celebrate and focus on the piano music of Sergei Rachmaninoff, including his preludes, etude-tableaux variations, and sonatas, accompanied by select pieces by his Russian contemporaries. For 25 years, the Athenaeum has presented unforgettable festivals featuring Gustavo Romero performing the complete piano repertoire of a specific composer. Whether you have been with us all 25 years or have yet to experience the wonder of this artist—who plays from memory—you will not want to miss our upcoming 26th Summer Festival.



Romero, a native San Diegan, with a heritage in Guadalajara, first performed at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library as a young boy, and it was with him that the Athenaeum planned its first Summer Festival in 1999, the organization’s 100th anniversary. Each year, Romero chooses composers to study in depth, sharing the full range of their artistry.



Dinners will be offered at the Athenaeum after the first and last concerts (July 6 and 27), providing a unique opportunity for concertgoers to socialize, meet Mr. Romero, and share a delicious meal, catered by Girard Gourmet. All concerts begin at 4 PM at the Athenaeum. Priority seating will be given to Donor-level members and above, and to dinner guests.