#United States #San Diego #San Diego Opera #Irwin Jacobs #San Diego Symphony

Transformative Gift for San Diego's Cultural Scene

San Diego Opera, a cornerstone of arts in San Diego, proudly announces a monumental gift of $4.5 million from the esteemed philanthropist Irwin Jacobs. This donation, aimed at fostering a dynamic collaboration between the San Diego Opera and the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, promises to further enhance the cultural fabric of the community. The funds will be allocated over three years, underlining a commitment to support ongoing artistic endeavors within the region.

A Historic Partnership

For over two decades, San Diego Opera and San Diego Symphony have worked side by side, delivering innovative opera productions that resonate deeply with the local community. With the establishment of the Joan and Irwin Jacobs San Diego Symphony and San Diego Opera Collaboration Fund, this partnership is set to deepen. The fund will not only ensure the continuation of world-class performances but also expand initiatives that highlight the true potential of both organizations.

David Bennett, General Director and CEO of San Diego Opera, expressed gratitude for Dr. Jacobs' contributions. He noted, "Dr. Jacobs' extraordinary generosity reflects his ongoing deep belief in the power of the performing arts and importance of partnerships that enrich our community." This sentiment highlights the transformative power of philanthropy in elevating the arts and ensuring accessibility for all.

Strengthening Artistic Ventures

The new fund will solidify the commitment between San Diego Opera and the Symphony, guaranteeing that orchestral accompaniment remains an integral part of opera productions at renowned venues like the San Diego Civic Theatre. This collaboration aims to enhance not only musical quality but also audience engagement, bringing fresh and innovative opera experiences to the forefront.

Irwin Jacobs shared his joy in continuing his late wife's philanthropic vision, emphasizing the critical role of the performing arts in enriching lives and strengthening community ties. "Both San Diego Opera and the San Diego Symphony were very important to my late wife Joan," he remarked, affirming his dedication to preserving the legacy of cultural excellence in San Diego.

An Exciting Upcoming Season

The 2025–2026 season for San Diego Opera is currently underway, showcasing the remarkable synergy between the Symphony and Opera. With productions including Leoncavallo's Pagliacci, Rossini's The Barber of Seville, and Bizet's Carmen, the collaboration promises exhilarating performances backed by the professional musicians of the San Diego Symphony. Additionally, the upcoming summer premiere of Fellow Travelers will further highlight this alliance, as it tells the powerful tale of forbidden romance during a tumultuous historical period, augmented by the Symphony's orchestral brilliance.

A Lasting Impact

San Diego Opera, founded in 1965, has built a rich heritage of impactful storytelling through operatic performances and educational initiatives. With this transformative gift from Irwin Jacobs, the Opera is poised to continue its mission of cultural service while inspiring future generations. The partnership with the Symphony not only emphasizes the importance of community support for the arts but also showcases the potential for collaborative endeavors to produce outstanding works that resonate on emotional and intellectual levels.

San Diego Opera is actively seeking support from the wider community to sustain and expand its initiatives. By investing in local arts, community members can contribute to a thriving cultural landscape that benefits everyone. To learn more about San Diego Opera and ways to get involved, please visit sdopera.org.

In summary, Irwin Jacobs' generous contribution marks a new chapter for San Diego Opera and San Diego Symphony, promising an enriching experience for audiences that celebrates the transformative power of the arts.