In February, the San Diego Symphony announced that its new permanent outdoor concert venue, The Shell, is slated to open on July 10. The Shell—the name reflects its shape as well as the venue’s waterfront location—replaces the orchestra’s longtime Bayside Summer Nights venue, located at the same Embarcadero Marina Park South site. The 13,000-square-foot covered stage boasts improved acoustics from the old structure, with a Meyer Sound Constellation System and terraced seating. The flexible space can hold from 2,000 to 10,000 guests for smaller events or large shows. The San Diego Symphony’s first season at The Shell will range from classical concerts led by Music Director Rafael Payare to Broadway, jazz, and R&B performances. The inaugural summer series at the Shell runs from July 10 through Oct. 1, with a three-day opening weekend including classical performances by the orchestra with pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet and cellist Alisa Weilerstein; a Broadway program conducted by Rob Fisher, hosted by Chita Rivera and Len Cariou; and a San Diego Symphony concert featuring vocalist Jennifer Hudson.
Caption: Artist’s rendering of The Shell, the San Diego Symphony’s new, year-round outdoor concert and events venue, currently scheduled to open on July 10. Photo courtesy of the San Diego Symphony.
