San Diego's Stunning Ceiling and Sound

If you like architecture or music, and especially if you like both, you simply must attend a concert in the Jacobs Music Center.  While the outside is no longer impressive or indicative of what lies inside the doors, the inside is lovelier than ever.  Yet another reason one ought not judge something by its exterior alone.  Symphony Towers, the hotel complex built around the music center is nothing out of the common way.  However, it is protecting, and in some ways hiding, a gem of San Diego architecture.

Built in 1929, the Jacobs Music Center was originally the Fox Theater Movie Palace.  At that time movies were still silent with live musicians playing in the theater to provide drama and mood, so an organ was built in the 1929 theater.  The stage is still framed with the intricate beauty of the once used organ pipes.  The lobby and theater hall itself have all the beautiful details of another age.

Last evening in the Jacobs Music Center the San Diego Symphony performed Rachmaninov and Mozart.  I would love to explain how extraordinary it was; but it would take an artist to do that.  Quite simply the music was gorgeous.  At least for me, there is something deeply personal about Rachmaninov's music.  When his work is played well it is always an experience beyond words.   Last night it very nearly moved me to tears.

It was made all the more lovely by the setting.  Such a gorgeous setting.  Even the crowds were gorgeous.  Women in beautiful dresses and men in suits made the whole atmosphere charming.  I must admit that on occasion, I miss the casual elegance you find in other parts of the world.  Most days find San Diego's inhabitants very casually clad indeed.  It was a lovely change to see everyone cleaned up and looking so dapper.  (Don't panic, it's still southern California, not everyone was so formally attired).

From start to finish I was pleased from the tips of my shiny elegant shoes to the very top of the enormous and stunning chandelier.  I couldn't stop smiling.    

Whether you are interested in going to the symphony, seeing Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker, watching Home Alone with live orchestra music, or listening to the Vienna Boy's Choir, the Jacobs Music Center is the place for you.

Madder Hatter's Tricks of the Trade for this outing:
1. Pay the money to park close.  You don't want to worry about being late, finding parking, or walking long distances in those shiny dress shoes that always give you blisters.
2. Bring a camera, even if it's just your phone.
3. Do be sure to silence your phone before the concert begins.
4. Look up - there are details everywhere in this building.
4. Don't be afraid to dress for the occasion.  How often do we get to do that on this coast anyway?

Safe travels,
The Madder Hatter