A transformation of a community jewel is complete. A $2.3 million renovation to Jacoby Symphony Hall will be on display this weekend for the opening of the 77th season of the Jacksonville Symphony.
The biggest single change is the replacement of 1,800 seats that are wider, comfortable, and quiet.
Planning took two years, and Symphony President Steven Limbman says they deliberated over every single detail.
“To choose the seats we had different companies bidding on this, select the design. The fabric, the color. This is custom-dyed color that we finally agreed on. We wanted something different than what we had before but not a radical shift,” Libman said.
This browser does not support the video element.
You’ll notice improved aisle lighting, new handrails, and updated carpeting in Jacoby Symphony Hall.
There are acoustic upgrades that include shelving on stage and enhanced acoustic elements to improve sound clarity.
There is also a brand-new advanced speaker system that’ll be used for improved clarity and balance for non-classical programming like the Pops Series and Symphonic Night at the Movies Series.
“They are designed to last 20 years and we will save around $150,000 a year in rent,”, said Libman.
The early reviews were positive during Friday’s midday coffee series.
“They’re very comfortable,”, said a guest in the front row.
“I love the colors, my favorite color,” said one symphony regular.
“I think the blue in the seats and rug reflect the river and make people feel ready to listen to music. I can bet your dollar that they’re saying ‘boy this is comfortable’,”, said another patron.
The new season debuts this Friday and Saturday with Mozart & Tchaikovsky.
▶ Listen to Jacksonville’s Morning News Interviews
[ Read more local news from WOKV ]
Click here to download our free news, weather and traffic app. And click here to subscribe to our daily 3 Big Things newsletter.