At Purchase College, part of the State University of New York, Beach oversaw the design of the center's $3.2 million renovation, and under his 16-year tenure the center's budget grew from $1.2 million to $5.2 million.

"La Jolla Music Society's impressive commitment to artistic excellence and community involvement is well-recognized throughout the country," Beach said in a statement. "It is a privilege to be entrusted with this distinguished 37-year-old institution, which is the major presenter of classical music in San Diego County and a leading performing arts presenter [on the West Coast]."

LJMS's 3005-06 season began on October 5 with a performance by violinist Nicola Benedetti. Season highlights include the West Coast premiere of Osvaldo Golijov's Ayre.