LA JOLLA, CA—Tickets are now available online for the 17th annual Symphony at Salk–a concert under the stars" featuring multi-award-winning singer and country/pop music sensation LeAnn Rimes, who will perform with the San Diego Symphony under the direction of returning guest conductor Thomas Wilkins.

Tickets to the gala are $250 each and include a pre-concert champagne reception, concert seating, a gourmet dinner with wine and refreshments, and reserved parking. The proceeds from the event directly benefit the leading-edge biological research at the Institute and its community education programs.

LeAnn Rimes

Photography: Brian Higbee

Symphony at Salk is the institute's premier fundraising event and sells out every year. An unforgettable blend of music, camaraderie and fine dining, the concert is held in the outside courtyard framed by the Institute's iconic Louis Kahn-designed buildings where guests are treated to a spectacular sunset view overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Symphony at Salk is one of about 100 annual performances by the San Diego Symphony, considered one of the leading orchestras in the country.

Famed for her rich vocals, Rimes has won numerous awards, including two Grammys, three Academy of Country Music Awards and 12 Billboard Music Awards. She is the youngest recipient of a Grammy Award, as well as the first country recording artist to win in the "Best New Artist" category.

Rimes has sold over 40 million records worldwide, with 42 singles placed on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, 13 of which were top 10 hits. She has recorded numerous hit singles in her career, including "Can't Fight the Moonlight," which went #1 in 11 countries, and "How Do I Live," which is the second longest charting song ever on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

One of the country's most distinguished conductors, Maestro Thomas Wilkins returns to lead the San Diego Symphony for the eight consecutive year giving the symphony and audience members another opportunity to enjoy the special energy and excitement he brings to every performance. Wilkins is the principal guest conductor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, and he continues his role as the music director of the Omaha Symphony. His extraordinary skill and tireless dedication to promoting lifelong enthusiasm for music has made him a favorite guest conductor for orchestras throughout the country.

The evening begins with a champagne reception at 5:30 p.m. Guests will be served a gourmet dinner specially prepared by renowned chef Jeffery Strauss of Pamplemousse Grille at 6:30 p.m. followed by the music program which begins at 8:00 p.m. Individual tickets for Symphony at Salk are $250 and can be purchased on the Symphony at Salk website or by calling 858-453-4100 x1491. Sponsorship packages range from $2,500 to $75,000. For additional ticket or sponsorship information, call 858-550-0472, or e-mail: symphony@salk.edu. The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is located at 10010 North Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, CA, 92037.

About the Salk Institute for Biological Studies:
The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is one of the world's preeminent basic research institutions, where internationally renowned faculty probe fundamental life science questions in a unique, collaborative, and creative environment. Focused both on discovery and on mentoring future generations of researchers, Salk scientists make groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of cancer, aging, Alzheimer's, diabetes and infectious diseases by studying neuroscience, genetics, cell and plant biology, and related disciplines.

Faculty achievements have been recognized with numerous honors, including Nobel Prizes and memberships in the National Academy of Sciences. Founded in 1960 by polio vaccine pioneer Jonas Salk, M.D., the Institute is an independent nonprofit organization and architectural landmark.