Cuyamaca College Fall 2025 ECHO Chamber Music Series fuels an East County arts renaissance

Series brings world-class culture, with local impact

CONTACT:        

Michael Navarre, Director of College and Community Relations

Cuyamaca College

michale.navarre@gcccd.edu

 

October 8, 2025

  

 

EL CAJON, CA -  East County will soon welcome some of the world’s premier chamber musicians as Cuyamaca College hosts the East County Harmonics Organization (ECHO) Chamber Music Series at the Samuel M. Ciccati Performing Arts Center this Fall. 

 

Founded by philanthropists Sam and Lyndie Ersan, the ECHO Chamber Music Series brings international-caliber artists to San Diego’s East County, a community historically underserved in cultural programming. The season at Cuyamaca College features marquee chamber performances, cross-cultural collaborations, and student showcases. All events are open to the public, with proceeds from the series funding scholarships, instruments, and essential equipment for Cuyamaca College music students.

 

World-Class Performances on a Local Stage

Chamber music is experiencing a resurgence both on stage and online, with sold-out concert halls and millions of views on social media. The New York Times praised the first ensemble in the series, Trio ECHO, featuring Reiko Uchida, Ayano Ninomiya, and Raman Ramakrishnan, calling it “refined and exquisite.” Audiences are drawn to the genre’s intimacy, precision, and emotional depth.

 

ECHO’s fall lineup brings Grammy-winning and internationally acclaimed artists such as James Ehnes, Joyce Yang, and Ana Vidović to a neighborhood stage in El Cajon—giving East County audiences access to world-class performances close to home.

 

“The special thing about ECHO is we bring Grammy Award–winning artists who last week were performing in Paris or Carnegie Hall, right here to East County,” says Nuvi Mehta, ECHO General Manager. “Not downtown or La Jolla, but here in our own community.”

 

Performances that Change Lives

The ECHO Chamber Music Series at Cuyamaca College pairs world-class chamber concerts with cross-cultural programs and student performances, turning every ticket into direct support for students through scholarships, instruments, and essential equipment.

 

“All ticket sales directly support students and the growth of arts education,” says Cuyamaca College President Dr. Jessica Robinson. “It’s such a great story: the chamber genre, born in the Renaissance, is leading a new renaissance of music education here in East County. At Cuyamaca, we remove barriers so students can access the very best education in our region, and The ECHO Chamber Music Series is another example of that.”

 

Momentum for music education is growing throughout East County as families and schools rebuild programs that had long been dormant. “East County is rising,” adds James Sepulvado, Chair of Performing Arts at Cuyamaca College. “Families are demanding real music education, and it’s working.”

 

Season at a Glance       

Samuel M. Ciccati Performing Arts Center, Cuyamaca College

900 Rancho San Diego Pkwy, El Cajon, CA 92019

View the 2025 Fall Concerts Program booklet

 

All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.

 

Thu, Oct. 2: Alwani Middle Eastern Orchestra

Thu, Oct. 9: ECHO: Trio ECHO

Mon, Oct. 13: Middle Eastern Music Festival

Thu, Oct. 16: Jazz Night: Singers Showcase

Thu, Oct. 23: ECHO: Quartetto di Cremona

Tue, Oct. 28: Cuyamaca College Concert Band

Thu, Nov. 6: Mariachi Amapolas (All-Female)

Thu, Nov. 13: ECHO: Modigliani Quartet

Thu, Nov. 20: Cuyamaca Faculty & Staff Recital

Fri, Dec. 5: Cuyamaca College Rock, Pop & Soul Ensemble

Tue, Dec. 9: ECHO: Clarosa Piano Quartet

Thu, Dec. 11: Cuyamaca College Choir

 

Tickets & Information

ECHO Concerts: $35 general | $15 student (subscriptions available)
Other Concerts: $15 general | $5 student
Info & Subscriptions: echochambermusic.org

 

Media Contact:

Michael Navarre, Director of College and Community Relations, Cuyamaca College
(619) 660-4039 | michael.navarre@gcccd.edu| cuyamaca.edu

 

Interview and Media Opportunities:

Nuvi Mehta, General Manager, ECHO Chamber Music Series

Dr. Jessica Robinson, President, Cuyamaca College

James Sepulvado, Chair, Performing Arts, Cuyamaca College

:30 performance clips (rights cleared) and b-roll are available upon request

On-site video access during 10-minute open rehearsal window

About the ECHO Music Series

The world’s finest chamber musicians perform in East County through the ECHO Chamber Music Series, hosted by Cuyamaca College. Ticket sales directly support Cuyamaca College music students by funding scholarships, instruments, and equipment, helping strengthen music education for students and families across the region.

 

About Cuyamaca College

Cuyamaca College has been proudly serving the diverse community of East County since its opening in 1978. As a comprehensive educational institution, Cuyamaca College offers a wide range of opportunities for students through both transfer programs and career & technical education pathways. The college is deeply committed to social justice, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have access to high-quality education and the resources they need to succeed. Offering 197 degrees and certificates, the college serves over 13,000 students annually, providing a student-centered approach to learning. Cuyamaca College delivers exceptional support services and is dedicated to ensuring students’ future success and long-term economic mobility through high transfer rates to universities and preparation for careers in their chosen fields.

 

About the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District (GCCCD)

The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District (GCCCD) includes Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges, which offer hundreds of degree and certificate programs, including Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Advanced/Basic Certificates. GCCCD is the largest provider of higher education and job training in East County, and is a top transfer pathway to San Diego State University. The colleges lead the way in developing educational programs, classes and services that meet the needs of the community of learners, and prepare students to meet changing community and workforce needs, while advancing social justice and economic mobility. Learn more and enroll at www.gcccd.edu/enroll.

 

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