On August 25, 2018, the Salk Institute once again transformed into a stunning musical venue for the 23rd annual Symphony at Salk.

Special guest artist Leslie Odom, Jr., a Tony Award winner for his role as Aaron Burr in the Broadway smash hit Hamilton, wowed 750 guests and 100 volunteers with his charm and dazzling vocal skills during the concert under the stars. Spectacular lighting in the courtyard highlighted the art of Salk’s biophotonics imagery, the paintings of Françoise Gilot and the live shots of the performance by Odom and the San Diego Symphony.

As the sun slowly dipped toward the Pacific horizon behind the stage, guests enjoyed camaraderie, a champagne reception and a gourmet dinner before the concert. “Symphony at Salk is a very special event that inspires and uplifts the spirits of all who attend while typically raising more than $1 million for Salk’s Education Outreach program and scientific discovery,” says Salk President Rusty Gage.

Symphony at Salk depends on its many generous sponsors, who this year included Zenith sponsors Joan and Irwin Jacobs, and Debra Turner; Golden Sun sponsor Tina Simner; and Supernova sponsors Martina and Dan Lewis, Tori and Terry Rosen, and Audrey Geisel/Dr. Seuss Fund. Philanthropy funds more than 50 percent of Salk scientists’ high-risk, high-reward research.