An Evening of Inspiration Under the Stars to Support Music Education
For the first time, the Music Note Gala will be hosted on the breathtaking Upper Lawn of the Montecito Club, with Grammy Award-winning musician Chris Thile headlining the benefit event on Friday, July 11.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Santa Barbara, CA) — The Music Academy of the West, now in its 78th season, will host an unforgettable evening of music, elegance, and philanthropy at the 2025 Music Note Gala on Friday, July 11 at 5 PM on the breathtaking Upper Lawn of the Montecito Club. Proceeds from the Gala will directly support the Music Academy’s mission to advance transformative musical education and foster community through music.
This year’s event features an intimate performance by Grammy Award-winning artist and MacArthur “Genius” Grant recipient Chris Thile, joined by the Academy Gala Orchestra under the baton of acclaimed conductor Daniela Candillari. The concert promises a genre-defying journey from Bach to Bluegrass, highlighting the boundless versatility of Thile’s artistry. The evening’s program features a vibrant mix of classical and contemporary works, including a selection from Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins, Caroline Shaw’s evocative And So, and Julep and My Oh My by the Punch Brothers—featuring Chris Thile on mandolin and a special appearance by the Music Academy’s Sing! children’s choir.
Guests will enjoy sweeping coastal views and a culinary experience curated by the Montecito Club, including signature cocktails, an al fresco dinner, and dessert with Music Academy Teaching Artists. The evening also includes opportunities to support the mission of the Academy, including a raffle, silent auction, and paddle raise.
The Gala is an essential source of funding for full student scholarships for the Academy’s Summer Music Festival & School (June 15-August 9, 2025) where internationally acclaimed artists and rising young talent come together in nearly 120 events, including concerts, masterclasses, and competitions, as well as the Academy’s Sing! choral program offered free of charge to more than 260 local students each year.
“At the Music Academy of the West, we train and inspire young artists through our 8-week, full scholarship Summer Festival. From across the globe, they come to the Academy for unparalleled education and performance opportunities within the gorgeous setting of Santa Barbara,” said Shauna Quill, President & CEO of the Music Academy. “Music education transforms lives—not just for the students, but for the global communities they go on to inspire. That’s why we’re equally proud to support our Sing! children’s choir, fostering the next generation of musicians and music lovers right here in our community.”
The Music Academy gratefully acknowledges the dedicated members of the 2025 Music Note Gala Committee, whose leadership and support help make this inspiring evening possible.
2025 Music Note Gala Committee
Gala Co-Chairs
Mally Chakola
Casey Kallenbach
Honorary Members
Mindy Budgor
Belle Hahn
Lily Hahn Shining
Connie M. Fickel
Mary Ta
Committee Members
Leslie Bains
Rebecca Damavandi
Kathleen Eberhardt
Todd Gerber
Arlene Sommer Kolodziejski
Susannah Osley
Danner Schefler
Stephanie Shuman
Anne Towbes
Todd Yancey
Sponsorships and individual tickets are on sale now.
To purchase or learn more, visit: env-musicacademy-staging.kinsta.cloud/gala.
Concert Program
Chris Thile mandolin
Daniela Candillari conductor
Academy Gala Orchestra
J.S. BACH “Allegro” from Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor, BWV 1043, with Angeles Hoyos, violin fellow
CAROLINE SHAW And So
PUNCH BROTHERS Julep and My Oh My, with the Sing! children’s choir
About the Music Academy of the West
The mission of the Music Academy of the West is to provide classically trained musicians and diverse audiences with transformative educational and performance experiences. We support musicians to expand their talents, inspire each other, and pursue artistic innovation.
Since 1947, the Music Academy of the West has flourished on its Miraflores campus in Montecito. Programs include its internationally renowned eight-week Summer Music Festival & School which trains up to 150 fellows ages 18-34 from across the globe, presenting more than 120 performances and events, competitions, and a fully staged opera. During the year, the Music Academy provides free music education to students grades 1-8 through its Sing! Program, a children’s choir that performs with local, national, and international partners; and produces the year-round Mariposa Concert Series featuring performances by Academy-affiliated artists.
Media Contact Kate Oberjat |