NEWS
CONTACT:
Michael Navarre, Director of College and Community Relations
Cuyamaca College
Cuyamaca College Fall 2025 ECHO Chamber Music Series fuels an East County arts renaissance
Series brings world-class culture, with local impact
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