Inside the $125 million renovation of Copley Symphony Hall

The restored, 94-year-old venue will reopen sometime in 2024. 🎻

SD Copley Symphony Hall

A rendering of the renovated Copley Symphony Hall.

Courtesy of HGA and San Diego Symphony

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. 🎼

SD Symphony renovated Copley Hall

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.”

SD Symphony Copley Hall Construction

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.

More from SDtoday
From Coronado Island and Liberty Station to East County, there are plenty of cool options.
Check out these 24 yoga options around America’s Finest City.
Gourd big or go home, right?
We’ve gathered 30 spots to grab a great deal.
Check out some of the coolest, most unique Airbnb and Vrbo rentals around America’s Finest City and plan for your next adventure or staycation.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or the next Tiger Woods, these 18 golf courses in San Diego are sure to make for a good round.
U-Haul rolled out info on 2024 moving trends — and now you just might know a little more about your new neighbors.
Explore San Diego’s murals — from images of postcards and celebrities to unforgettable splashes of color.
The 95-year-old venue on downtown San Diego’s B Street has been fully renovated and its 2024-2025 season is packed with live performances.
Prepare for fall weather in America’s Finest City with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.