SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — The San Diego Symphony is postponing the opening season of its Shell outdoor concert venue until next year.
The symphony says the bayside venue, which was slated to open in July, is now planning for a summer 2021 season, due to the impact of COVID-19, and social distancing and health orders.
San Diego Symphony added that they are also extending invitations to artists scheduled for this summer, like Bernadette Peters, Maxwell, Jennifer Hudson, and Smokey Robinson, to be a part of next year's inaugural season.
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A spokesperson for the symphony said construction of the $45-million Shell has experienced some COVID-19 related delays, but the venue is on track to be completed sometime after mid-August.
In a statement, Martha Gilmer, CEO of San Diego Symphony, said the postponement is devastating.
"Not being able to fulfill the dreams of so many people and celebrate the inaugural season at The Shell as planned this summer is devastating. As the construction of The Shell continues, its visible progress on our skyline provides us with a symbol of forward momentum and hope. When the San Diego Symphony Orchestra performs the first concerts at The Shell, I know that the music will mean more to all of us than ever before. We cannot wait for that day to come."
Last month, the symphony asked those with tickets to this spring's events to either donate the value of their tickets back to the symphony, exchange the tickets for a 2020-2021 performance, or put the tickets on an account for future use.
Shell season subscribers are being asked to do the same in order to keep seating preferences and support the symphony's future.
