(Photo : Larisa Birta via Unsplash)

The San Diego Symphony has stood the test of time to become a historical treasure for the entire state as the oldest orchestra in California. The orchestra was founded in 1910 and continues to uphold its title as one of San Diego's most influential cultural organizations and the largest in the city. To play a part in its most recent achievement is an honor and an extraordinary opportunity, one which Dianne Bashor and President of the Bashor family companies and philanthropic advisor, David Malcolm, welcomed.

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park is San Diego Symphony's newest venue, which opened its doors in August 2021. In Mrs. Bashor's eyes, the year-round waterfront venue developed and managed by the Symphony is what she and many San Diego citizens see as the city's equivalent of the Sydney Opera House. Martha Gilmer, San Diego Symphony's CEO, said that the opening of The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park "marked a new chapter for the San Diego Symphony, the community, and region."

"The Rady Shell is a game-changer for San Diego," elaborated David Malcolm.

In support of the park, the venues, and organizational efforts to promote community and art-focused programs, the San Diego Symphony launched a $125M campaign called "The Future is Hear." That's where Dianne Bashor and David Malcolm, two San Diego community leaders, saw an opportunity to continue to make an impact in bettering the future of their beloved city. 

"Mrs. Bashor and I share a passion for making San Diego even more spectacular for residents and visitors alike," said David Malcolm. "This is in keeping with supporting military admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, San Diego State University's Mission Valley stadium, and scouting facilities in the South Bay, among other worthy causes," he further stated. "Our campaign's success is humbling, and Mrs. Bashor's gift brings us that much closer to achieving our ambitious goal."

In honor of the major gift that Bashor contributed and Malcolm facilitated to the campaign "The Future is Hear," the San Diego Symphony announced a new naming at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park: the Dianne Bashor Box Office. Bashor was humbled to join other San Diego philanthropists who have continued to put forth instrumental efforts in valiantly supporting the eighteen-year process of San Diego Symphony's venue concept to completion. These local philanthropists include Ernest and Evelyn Rady, Joan and Irwin Jacobs, Una Davis, and the Conrad Prebys Foundation. 

The Rady Shell was designed with San Diego Symphony history in mind and marked the first permanent outdoor venue to seat audience members year-round to witness more than a hundred concerts and events annually. Music Director Rafael Payare refers to The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park as "a fantastic dream," noting the venue's positive influence and overall connection for musicians, audience members, and the surrounding community. 

San Diego's new venue has been a long-awaited platform for the San Diego Symphony summer concerts. The 2022 summer season starting this upcoming June 24 is paving the way with more events to attend than ever as The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park enters its first full season of programming. 

The season will kick off opening weekend as The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park hosts a West Coast premiere piano concerto by Reinaldo Moya, Venezuelan American composer, with the orchestra conducted by Rafael Payare. The event will also feature Joyce Yang, a GRAMMY®-nominated pianist, and an Exhibition of Mussorgsky's Pictures. This year's summer season also consists of ongoing spotlights with the San Diego Symphony featuring and playing alongside numerous world-class artists. In addition, attendees can witness performances from spectacular groups from multiple genres and classical concerts. One of the San Diego Symphony's favorite classical events, Beethoven by the Bay, conducted by Edo De Waart, grants guests in attendance to enjoy the brilliance of Beethoven's music while watching the sunset on the San Diego Bay. 

With an exciting list of events lined up for the upcoming summer months and much more to come in its bright future, it is quite clear to see how and why The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park is, as Malcolm points out, changing the game for San Diego.

About David Malcolm

David Malcolm is a San Diego-based entrepreneur, real estate expert, and community leader. Having a long and successful career in real estate, he knows the importance of giving back. Among his various philanthropic endeavors, he is most passionate about helping the homeless get their lives back on track. He and his wife Annie also support two San Diego gymnasiums and other charitable non-profits.