The Shell: San Diego's Bayside Amphitheater
The Shell, San Diego Symphony’s new permanent outdoor venue on the San Diego Bay, has captivated many people’s passion and dedication over its years of planning and during its construction. The inaugural season will take place in 2021.
San Diego Symphony Orchestra has presented many seasons of outdoor events in a temporary facility on San Diego Bay. Thanks to financial support from the SD Symphony Board, donors, subscribers and citizens, construction on permanent bayside amphitheater on the Embarcadero in September 2019. While the planned summer 2020 opening is being delayed to July 2021 (current estimate), the parts of the venue are complete and final construction is underway.
The New Sound of San Diego
Will be an iconic part of our waterfront. It is designed to be opening and welcoming. When complete, it is expected to be open to public, host private events and other arts performances. And as a bonus, the public is welcome to stop by to hear rehearsals.
It is constructed with fabric and plastic stretched over a steel structure. The shape is designed to compliment and reflects that of the Convention Center and Airport. The ‘skeleton’ is a series of liners, catwalks, cabling, lighting, screens, sound and video equipment. It’s designed to offer guests a wonderful listening experience and to provide orchestra and other performers with a world-class performance environment.
Guiding Principles:
Great acoustics
Great sound
Great lighting
Beautiful stage
Amenities and refreshment
In-door permanent bathrooms
Here's a preview of what one can expect from The Shell and new Music Director Rafael Payare
The Shell By the Numbers
3500 – Average Audience Size
10,000 – Maximum Attendance
360 - Views of the Bay on the Top Terrace
20 – spaces for food trucks in the Hub
12 Feet Wide - perimeter walkway open to public
5 – Number of Rows The Shell comes out
More Info on The Shell
‘Waiting, Anticipating, Innovating’
Like many, the orchestra is managing through tough times due to #CV19. Staff has experienced furloughs, part-time employment and salary reductions as cash flow is limited to contributions and the endowment.
To stay connected and bring music to our community, the Symphony has developed digital programs and content which are gaining lots of momentum within the greater SD area. You can find out about these programs at https://www.sandiegosymphony.org
Expect the Symphony to start in-person events with small ensembles, based on the governmental guidance and local recommendations. Originally slated to open July 2020, the inaugural season at The Shell will not take place in 2021. Performers and schedules are being developed, so stay tuned for more information as programs get firmed up.
It will be worth the wait!
Martha A Gilmer
CEO, San Diego Symphony
Martha A. Gilmer became CEO of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra in October 2014 after a 35-year career at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Gilmer is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Music, and she has been active as an alumna, serving on the Visiting Committee and the Dean Search Committee and delivering the 2000 commencement address. She also earned a Northwestern University School of Music Alumni Merit Award.
Martha does extensive lecturing and writing on music. She is a member of the Chicago Network and was recently elected to Today’s Chicago Woman’s Hall of Fame. She was the recipient of Dominican University 2009 Bravo Award and currently works closely with the most talented guest artists and composers of today.
About SDSO
The San Diego Symphony Orchestra performed its first concert on December 6, 1910. In the 100-plus years since its inception, the SDSO has become one of the leading orchestras in the United States and was designated a Tier 1 Orchestra by the League of American Orchestras in 2010. It is committed to providing musical experiences of superior quality for the greater San Diego community and beyond. Through a rich mixture of innovative and educational programming designed to appeal to all ages and cultures, the Symphony makes music an integral part of the cultural and intellectual fabric of Southern California, valued by and relevant to all its residents. The Music Director of the San Diego Symphony is Rafael Payare. The Principal Guest Conductor is Edo de Waart, and Jahja Ling serves as Conductor Laureate.
Historic Copley Symphony Hall inside the Jacobs Music Center is regarded as one of the finest classical music venues on the West Coast. Originally built in 1929 as The Fox Theatre, this lush movie palace style hall became the property of the SDSO in 1984.