It is an honor to celebrate the generosity and vision of our most dedicated supporters. These extraordinary donors have played an essential role in the renovation of Jacobs Music Center and the future of the San Diego Symphony by contributing to the Building A Sound Tomorrow campaign. Their commitment ensures that the San Diego Symphony continues to inspire and enrich our community for generations to come. Read on to learn what this legacy means to them and why they chose to invest in the future of music in our city.
JOAN AND IRWIN JACOBS
Joan and Irwin Jacobs have been pillars of support for the San Diego Symphony, beginning long before their groundbreaking gift of $120 million in 2002. This transformative contribution, the largest of its kind to a symphony orchestra at the time, provided the financial stability and resources needed for the Symphony to elevate its artistic standards and expand its reach. Their generosity laid the foundation for the Symphony’s evolution into a premier cultural institution, allowing it to attract world-class musicians, present innovative programming, and foster a deep connection with the community.
Their commitment to the Symphony did not stop there. Joan and Irwin played a pivotal role in the creation of The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, a visionary project that reimagined the Symphony’s summer concerts. The stunning waterfront venue, completed in 2021, is a testament to Joan and Irwin’s belief in the power of music to unite and inspire. The Rady Shell has quickly become a beloved cultural landmark in San Diego,
offering an unparalleled outdoor concert experience that attracts diverse audiences and showcases the Symphony in a vibrant, accessible setting.
The reopening of the beautifully renovated Jacobs Music Center marks the latest chapter in the Jacobs family’s extraordinary legacy of support. This
newly transformed venue, named in their honor, represents a significant investment in the Symphony’s future, providing a state-of-the-art home for
the orchestra that enhances both the artistic experience for musicians and the concert experience for audiences. The renovations include cutting-edge acoustics, modernized facilities, and expanded spaces for community engagement, ensuring that the Jacobs Music Center will continue to be a cultural hub for generations to come.
Through their unwavering philanthropy, Joan and Irwin Jacobs have profoundly shaped the San Diego Symphony’s trajectory, ensuring its vitality and success for the future. Their visionary support has not only elevated the Symphony to new heights but also enriched the cultural fabric of San Diego, making world-class music accessible to all. As the Symphony celebrates the reopening of the Jacobs Music Center, it stands as a testament to the enduring impact of Joan and Irwin’s generosity and their belief in the transformative power of the arts.
San Diego Symphony’s 2024-25 Season is dedicated to the memory of Joan K. Jacobs.
ELAINE GALINSON AND HERB SOLOMON
“We have been motivated for many decades to support the San Diego Symphony primarily because we consider it to be the prime performing cultural treasure of our San Diego community. And the current state-of-the-art renovation of Jacobs Music Center will ensure it continues to contribute at a high level to the musical pleasure of young and old, residents and visitors far into the future. We also honor the dedicated lay and professional leadership that consistently strives for excellence and has brought us to this day of celebration on the path to future successes.“
PENNY AND LOU ROSSO
“Twelve years ago, we began attending classical concerts at Jacobs Music Center and fell in love with
the sounds of the Symphony. When the opportunity arose to improve Jacobs Music Center, we naturally wanted to help enhance the structure and sound quality for everyone who attends. The Jacobs family’s generosity in advancing the arts in San Diego inspired us to contribute. The San Diego Symphony has given us many happy evenings with our children and grandchildren. With the reopening of Jacobs Music Center, we hope our entire family will attend more classical concerts and continue to support this wonderful group of musicians.”
ROBERT A. RUBENSTEIN M.D. AND MARIE G. RAFTERY
“Music must be an integral part of America’s Finest City, both for today and for future generations. The San Diego Symphony brings great joy to our lives and to the lives of our community, across all age groups and interests. Even if just for a moment, it makes things better. The renovation of this classic building continues the legacy and heritage of the San Diego Symphony. The elegance of its surroundings align with the splendor of the orchestra. We are inspired to be part of this journey, and we want the influence of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra to endure over the years.”
KATHERINE “KAYLIN” THORNHILL
“The Rady Shell provided a safe way to bring back live music for many of us—musicians and audience alike—and has been a real gift to the entire San Diego community. When the plans for the renovation of Jacobs Music Center were revealed, with major changes to the HVAC system, detailed acoustical enhancements, and improved accessibility for patrons, all while preserving the historic features of the building, I knew I wanted to be part of it.”
KAREN AND JEFF SILBERMAN
“The San Diego Symphony has been an important part of our family’s philanthropic legacy, and we believe that every major city must have a vibrant art and culture environment for the benefit of the entire community. We are grateful to have grown up with the Symphony in our lives and aspire to share this experience with the broader community. By supporting this campaign, we hope to ensure that
the Symphony will have an enduring impact for generations to come, providing extraordinary musical experiences for all San Diegans.”
PAMELA HAMILTON LESTER IN MEMORY OF JAMES A LESTER
“The San Diego Symphony proved with The Rady Shell that its plans for the future were not only spectacular but achievable. Now, the renovation of Jacobs Music Center is a stunning achievement.
I am grateful for the opportunity to support the Symphony and help sustain its success by donating to the Campaign in memory of my husband, James A. (Jim) Lester. The Symphony held a special place in Jim’s heart.“
JACOBS MUSIC CENTER RENOVATION & ENDOWMENT CAMPAIGN
The San Diego Symphony acknowledges the following donors who have made a gift of $10,000 or more toward the BUILDING A SOUND TOMORROW campaign, which supports the renovation of Jacobs Music Center and the San Diego Symphony Foundation’s endowment fund. With profound gratitude, we celebrate these generous supporters who have made a commitment to the future of music in our community.
To make a gift please call (619)237-1969 or email campaign@sandiegosymphony.org.
The following listing reflects pledges or gifts entered as of August 8, 2024
◊ denotes Deceased
$3,000,000 AND ABOVE
Joan ◊ and Irwin Jacobs
Pamela Hamilton Lester, In Memory of James A Lester
The Miller Fund
Price Philanthropies Foundation
$1,000,000 to 2,999,999
Willis J. Larkin
Lou and Penny Rosso and the Rosso Family
Robert Rubenstein and Marie Raftery
Karen Foster Silberman & Jeff Silberman
Elaine Galinson and Herbert Solomon, Through the Glickman Fund of the S.D. Jewish Community Foundation
Haeyoung Kong Tang
Katherine “Kaylan” Thornhill Artistic Initiatives Fund
Timmstrom Family
$500,000 - $999,999
Anonymous
The James Silberrad Brown Foundation
Dr. Paul and Geneviève Jacobs
Dr. Seuss Foundation
Mitchell R. Woodbury
$250,000 - $499,999
Anonymous
Michele and Jules Arthur
Julia R. Brown
Arlene Inch
Debby and Hal Jacobs
Karen and Warren Kessler
Jerry and Terri Kohl
Sandy and Arthur ◊ Levinson
Imozelle and Jim McVeigh
Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation
Colette Carson Royston and Ivor Royston
Donald and Gayle ◊ Slate
James E. and Kathryn A. Whistler
$100,000 - $249,999
Anonymous
Eloise and Warren Batts
David Bialis
Drs. Edward A. and Martha G. Dennis
The Fuson Family
In honor of Ted and Audrey Geisel
Tom and Carolina Gildred
Annie and Jeffrey Jacobs
The Littman Jonkman Community Engagement and Education Fund
Susan and Peter Mallory, In honor of Martha Gilmer
Robert, Monica and Celeste Oder
Chris and Kris Seeger
Dave and Phyllis Snyder
Sue and Bill ◊ Weber
Jo and Howard ◊ Weiner
$50,000 - $99,999
Carol Rolf and Steven Adler
Lisa and Ben Arnold
Richard A. Samuelson
$25,000 - $49,999
Una Davis Family
Janet and Wil Gorrie
The Hong-Patapoutian Family
In honor of Willard Howard Kline
In memory of Alex and Judy McDonald
Linda and Shearn* Platt
Ingrid M. Van Moppes
Waldron Family Trust
$10,000 - 24,999
Susan and Peter Crotty
Peter Czipott and Marisa SorBello
Monica Fimbres
In memory of Lillian Hauser
The Rev. Michael Kaehr
Joan Lewan Trust
David Marchesani
Jack McGrory
Deborah Pate and John Forrest
Joan Salb Trust
Linda Thomas
In Honor of John Zygowicz