It’s been one year since the San Diego Symphony announced its $125 million project to restore and renovate its historic indoor home — Copley Symphony Hall at Jacobs Music Center — in downtown San Diego.

Its reopening was originally set for Saturday, Nov. 4, but the project's timeline has since been pushed back to 2024.

We got to peek inside the construction and hear all about what’s planned for the 94-year-old venue. Raise the curtain, it’s showtime. 🎼

A look inside the construction site at Jacobs Music Center as of Monday, Feb. 6. | Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

“It is a real moment to have this new indoor home for the symphony,” said Martha A. Gilmer, CEO of the San Diego Symphony, at a press conference this week. “We believe in this city, being stewards of this city, and being part of its fabric.”

“It’s going to be phenomenal,” added San Diego Symphony Music Director Rafael Payare, grinning from ear-to-ear.

The hall’s dramatic revitalization includes:

A reconfigured stage and reshaped main seating level and balconies with 1,756 seats
75 seats in a new area called the “choral terrace” — behind the orchestra
Improved acoustics, with state-of-the art digital sound, video, and lighting equipment
15,000-sqft of new backstage space, enhancing the environment for performers
A custom-designed permanent orchestral enclosure
Restored architectural details
Heating and cooling upgrades to make the hall feel more comfortable

HGA principal architect John Frane — the project’s developer — said the space will feel “familiar, but also fresh.” He said the project’s priority is to respect the building’s bones and history, while upgrading the venue for future generations of San Diegans.

Before the venue reopens, Gilmer said musicians will have plenty of time to get accustomed to their new space, adding, “It’s like they have a new instrument.”

Seating will be installed soon at the site. | Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

The symphony has released its 2023-2024 season, which now includes several concerts at The Rady Shell as the organization awaits the reopening of Copley Symphony Hall.

Shows include the California Festival on Opening Night — Saturday, Nov. 4 — led by Payare, a Family Concert on Sunday, Nov. 5, and "Currents" — a new, interdisciplinary chamber music series that explores identity.

Keep up with all things San Diego Symphony via its website and Instagram.

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