Newly Renovated Jacobs Music Center Opens September 28
Sep 30, 2024Rafael Payare and the San Diego Symphony reached a new milestone this season when they returned to their home concert hall, the newly renovated Jacobs Music Center, on September 28.
The transformation of the Jacobs Music Center represents a critical component of CEO Martha Gilmer’s vision for the SDS, coupled with the hiring of Payare and the 2021 opening of the Rady Shell, the $85 million venue that now serves as the orchestra’s summer stage and was cited this summer by the New York Times as prime evidence of San Diego’s rising cultural profile. The Jacobs Music Center project began in early 2022 to enhance the musical and performance experience for artists and audiences alike while honoring the legacy of the nearly 100-year-old Fox Theatre. Designed by architectural firm HGA in collaboration with acoustician Paul Scarbrough of Akustiks and theater planner Schuler Shook, the renovation included substantial alterations to the stage and main seating level to elevate the hall’s acoustics, as well as new seating and finishes; restored architectural details; modernized lighting, sound, video and recording equipment; updated and expanded support spaces for musicians; and enhanced audience amenities.
The inaugural performance in the renovated Jacobs Music Center on September 28 featured the world premiere of Texu Kim’s fanfare Welcome Home!! along with music of Paganini, Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, Rossini, and Ravel. A full roster of soloists was also on hand: pianist Inon Barnatan, cellist Alisa Weilerstein, SDS concertmaster Jeff Thayer, and Korean soprano Hera Hyesang Park.
The San Diego Union-Tribune praised the return of Payare and the SDS, raving of their opening night performance: “Now, almost 40 years later with their new hall, San Diego Symphony finally has a San Diego venue that permits it to sound like the world-class orchestra they’ve been since Payare took over. What a grandly thrilling, promising way to usher in the new season.” Read the full review here.
Rounding out the weekend’s festivities, which also included ” A Day of Music” as part of the opening celebrations, on September 27 Rafael Payare was presented with his US citizenship by US Circuit Judge Margaret McKeown in a short ceremony following the civic dedication and official ribbon cutting of the Jacobs Music Center.
Learn more about the new venue and the orchestra’s upcoming season here.
