A sold-out Symphony at Salk
On August 16, 2025, Salk welcomed donors and friends to campus for the 29th annual Symphony at Salk. More than 500 guests and 43 Salk scientists gathered under the stars in the Institute’s Courtyard for an unforgettable evening of music and camaraderie in support of Salk’s scientific mission.
The concert featured Emmy and Grammy Award–winning star Kristin Chenoweth, whose dazzling vocals and stage presence captivated the audience, alongside the San Diego Symphony. Chenoweth delivered a vibrant program, including the song “Popular” to commemorate her time as Glinda in the original cast of Wicked on Broadway.
A dynamic light and video display showered Salk’s famous architecture. Projected on our concrete towers were photos of what’s found only under a microscope through Salk’s groundbreaking research. Before intermission, a video shared the story of honored guest Annie Alessio, whose mother, Carol, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease when Alessio was about to start her junior year of college. The sadness of her story was accompanied by a sense of hope, as President Gerald Joyce, MD, PhD, and Salk scientists Rusty Gage, PhD, and Nicola Allen, PhD, spoke about Salk’s unique approach to Alzheimer’s disease research.
SPONSORS AND SUPPORT
This year’s Symphony at Salk was made possible through the generosity of many sponsors and advertisers. We are especially grateful to our presenting sponsors, Brian and Rita Kaspar, and Zenith sponsors, Ann Tsukamoto-Weissman and Irv Weissman.
IMPACT FOR SCIENCE
Event proceeds will go directly to Salk’s unrestricted fund, which provides flexibility to support pioneering research, advance emerging technologies, and recruit top scientific talent. Through this event, donors and partners demonstrated their commitment to fueling the discoveries that will shape the future of human health and the planet.
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