Downtown San Diego's nearly century-old Jacobs Music Center is ready to reopen following a $125 million renovation and redesign.
Originally built in 1929 as the Fox Theatre and most recently dubbed the Copley Symphony Hall, the Jacobs Music Center has long been a historic landmark in San Diego, known for its striking Rococo design and ornate interior. Over the years, it has hosted a wide range of performances, from ballets and operas to concerts by renowned artists like Yo-Yo Ma and Morrissey. However, despite its rich history, the venue's transition from a movie theater to a concert hall brought significant challenges, particularly in terms of acoustics.
Recognizing the need for modernization, a major renovation project began in 2020 with the goal of transforming the Jacobs Music Center into a state-of-the-art concert hall while preserving its historical charm. The $125 million overhaul has now been completed, with acoustical improvements at the forefront. Enhancing the sound quality was crucial to ensure that the emotional depth and energy of each performance could be fully appreciated by the audience.
The renovations went beyond acoustics, with significant updates made to the seating and design of the venue. The number of seats was reduced from 2,248 to 1,831, creating a more intimate and connected viewing experience. The straight rows from its movie theater days were replaced with angled seating for better views of the stage. Additionally, a new choral terrace was added behind the orchestra, which doubles as seating when not in use for performances. Modern theatrical lighting was also installed to highlight the architectural details of the space, seamlessly blending the old with the new.
To mark the reopening, the San Diego Symphony has commissioned a special composition by award-winning composer Texu Kim. Kim's piece, Welcome Home!!, is a vibrant and celebratory work scored for brass and percussion, drawing inspiration from various musical genres that reflect the idea of home. The piece will incorporate elements of K-pop, Korean folk music, and funk, as well as traditional Kumeyaay sounds, making it a fitting tribute to both the reopening and the venue's rich cultural backdrop.
To mark the reopening, the San Diego Symphony has commissioned a special composition by award-winning composer Texu Kim. Kim's piece, Welcome Home!!, is a vibrant and celebratory work scored for brass and percussion, drawing inspiration from various musical genres that reflect the idea of home. The piece will incorporate elements of K-pop, Korean folk music, and funk, as well as traditional Kumeyaay sounds, making it a fitting tribute to both the reopening and the venue's rich cultural backdrop.
The Jacobs Music Center is set to reopen on September 28, and the renovation ushers in a new era for the historic venue, now equipped to provide audiences with an unparalleled acoustic and visual experience while maintaining its timeless elegance. The reopening signals not just the revival of a cherished San Diego landmark but the beginning of a new chapter for the city's cultural landscape.
Jacobs Music Center is located at 750 B Street in Downtown San Diego. For more information, visit sandiegosymphony.org.
Jacobs Music Center is located at 750 B Street in Downtown San Diego. For more information, visit sandiegosymphony.org.
