Events  Music

3 things to know: Updates on the $125 million renovation of Copley Symphony Hall in San Diego

The construction timeline for the large-scale project has shifted, and the hall’s anticipated reopening is now in early 2024.

August 16, 2023 • 
Monica Garske
SD Copley Symphony Hall renovation updates San Diego Symphony

San Diego Symphony Music Director Rafael Payare and CEO Martha Gilmer at the construction site where their visions will soon come to life.

Photo via San Diego Symphony

Earlier this year, we peeked inside the San Diego Symphony’s $125 million project to renovate its historic venue, Copley Symphony Hall at Jacobs Music Center in downtown SD. Construction continues on the ambitious plan — let’s see how it’s going.

Three things you should know:

  • The project timeline has shifted a bit. The venue was originally expected to reopen on Saturday, Nov. 4, but now it’s slated to reopen in early 2024.
  • This means the symphony has moved some of its 2023-2024 season performances to The Rady Shell, including its Season Opening Under the Stars on Saturday, Nov. 4, with conductor Rafael Payare.
  • By the numbers: The 70,545-sqft building originally opened in 1929 as The Fox Theatre movie cinema. Its reconfigured layout will feature a total of 1,831 seats across its main level, balconies, and new “choral terrace” — a raised section around the stage, behind the orchestra.