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Copley Symphony Hall

4.2 (114 reviews)
ModerateMusic Venues

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Stage from floor view
Lei L.

Beautiful hall. Came here to listen to an Italian pianist - Ludovico Einaudi. Was moved to tears in a few minutes. They serve beverages and snacks but you're not suppose to take it into the auditorium.

Bar before floor entrance
Michelle M.

I attended the TEDXTalks event here on 10/22/16. In my opinion, this is a great venue for events. The TedX conference was simply amazing. You can see the stage at both the floor and balcony level. The quality of the sound system and beautiful interior of the auditorium were impressive. They have wonderful and courteous usher staff. Hopefully next time i can come visit this venue when the San Diego Symphony or guests are performing. If you come here to watch a show , you can find parking in the Wells Fargo Plaza Parking Garage. 401 B St.

Maria C.

As an ABA member, you certainly get perks!!! Came here to watch Jacobs Masterworks Beethoven Festival featuring pianist Yefim Bronfman and Music Director, Maestro Jahja Ling. (Beethoven's Eighth Symphony and the "Emperor" piano concerto.) My first time to this Hall and it didn't disappoint. It was actually more than I had anticipated. As a frequent visitor to the SD Civic Center for Broadway shows and musicals, I was expecting this hall to be run down and just as old looking/feeling. I was definitely impressed with its elegance, glam and classiness!!! Our tickets were awesome - Row A in the Grand section. Here you're able to see and hear the orchestra vibrantly! But, really, there's not a bad seat in the house. Although surrounded by an OLDER generation, it was still an enjoyment to have one liner conversations with the elderly couple sitting next to you. Following the concert, we were invited to a special toasting event in the Revelle Room to honor both the Maestro and renowned pianist. We were given the red carpet treatment with champagne, wine, coffee, beverages, and small treats. BRAVO, I say, BRAVO!!! Note: Parking was $10 during this event, and the parking garage was odd. You drive about several flights before you actually hit parking. I think they share the garage with the Sheraton. It is almost as confusing as Horton!

Taiko drums
Alexandra B.

I love the Copley symphony hall. The venue has very good acoustics and is not very big, so all seats overall are good. I have been here multiple times for Holiday concerts, movie and concert shows and for regular concerts. They have s wonderful student discount $10 with student is, but you must buy tickets in the box office, it can be purchased ahead of time or at the time of the show. Cheapest place I have found for parking is 2 blocks away on A street, between 5th and 6th streets which is $8 flat rate (as of May 2019).

Amanda M.

This concert hall is exceptional. I have never been here until this last friday's concert, but apparently there has been significant improvement since "last season." The main lobby where the refreshments are served has been renovated and given a stylish facelift. Everything is bright, and crisp when it comes to appearance. Additionally, within the hall itself, re-carpeting, and lighting changes have also been made.. The only complaint I have about these hall is how uncomfortable the seats are. I was doing my absolute best to enjoy the musical stylings of Augustin Hadelich's, (who is an amazingly talented violin prodigy) but I kept squirming in my seat. There isn't much back support and I felt like I was sitting in like, a little box. I do hope they look into updating the seats for the betterment of the audience that they cater to. Overall, if you are looking for a great experience for a ballet or musical composition, I suggest looking no further than Copley Symphony hall.

view from 2nd section of the balcony.
Ken S.

We attended the American Idol tour here and its beautiful. We sat up in the balcony, I had no problem seeing the stage but its a little tough for kids. I would recommend the front section if you sit in the balcony area. The staff is the main reason for 5 stars. They were extremely helpful, providing ear plugs for my kids and also booster seats.

Samuel D.

Such and awesome place with lots of history since 1929. Atmosphere: I recently came here during comic-con 2015 Saturday night for the Zelda: Symphony of Goddesses Master Quest. Lots of fans dressed in cosplay form of their favorite Zelda characters along with others wearing their Zelda tees. This has yet been the best Symphony I've seen by far. Very nostalgic in music which brought so much memories from my childhood. Seats: We sat on the main floor row "O" aisle seats. No complaints great view of the whole stage. Usher's were very polite and helpful directing you to your seat. Snacks/ Drinks: Specialty drinks were made and along with premium and beer offered. Coffee and other soda beverages were available. Along with cookies and candy bars for purchase. They are also allowed in the symphony room. Pricy but glad they have options if you decide you are hungry/ thirsty. Parking: valet = $25 parking lot across the street = $20 garage = $20 Overall: With special events and other concerts here, it can feel a bit claustrophobic with a small main hall. But the venue of Copley is great with at least 2200 seats and a very visible stage. Will definelty come back during another concert favorite.

Steve F.

Back in my high school days, I played trombone in our band (yes, that's right - I was a band geek). In my sophomore year, I qualified to take part in a concert performance at Copley Symphony Hall - it was one of the highlights of my high school career. I went here over the weekend to see John Williams conduct the San Diego Symphony. While I was struck at how small the stage appeared, the decor and environs was more than enough to catch my eye. Very elegant performance hall, and the video screens on the sides of the stage were not distracting whatsoever. Plus, while I was a bit worried that I wouldn't be able to see the performers due to my seat arrangement, it doesn't appear that there was a bad seat in the house. The lobby also was quite beautiful - I loved the mural near the front, and since it's the holiday season, there was a rather gorgeous musically-themed Christmas tree that was a prime location for pictures. As for the concert itself - watching maestro Williams conduct our city's symphony (and guest cellist) through his works was an amazing experience I will never forget. I have to admit, tears came to my eyes during the first encore, when the Raiders March started to play - and during the second encore, when the Star Wars Main Theme went up. While parking can be a pain (I parked a few blocks away, saving me some cash), and the concessions are overpriced ($6 for a chocolate chip cookie and bottle of water - which you could bring inside the hall)... attending a symphony performance to get your art and culture fix is an experience that should be taken advantage of!

Carmen V.

Nothing to complain about this magnificient symphony hall. Great architecture, fantastic acoustics, no bad seats (well, i was in a privileged seat on the six row, just in front but not hyper close to the action point) and what not to like when you have dear ex-colleagues that offer you $100 tickets for free to go to enjoy the Jon Kimura Parker concert? 2 hours of pleasure. Feeling like in a geriatric, as others complain? Well, it seems that older folks have better taste. Classical music is always nice no matter the public. Besides, we will all get there and better with the ability to be able to enjoy music and dress up (and do your hair) for the occasion. There were many young people as well, although is true that majority of the audience is in the 65+ age range. Being in a builing that saw the light for the first time in 1929 is already a very nice thing to experience, at least in San Diego where you don't get that many historic buildings as you can get anywhere in Europe. So just for the experience of being inside and breath some San Diego history is already worth it. I am a carpet maniac, I think the carpet of most public places (especially hospitals) are horrible, unattractive, unwelcoming. Not the case here. Check the pics and judge for yourself. And check the floors more often! No need to walk with your nose up, no matter if this is a symphone hall, after all is chill San Diego!

Waiting to hear Kathleen Battle and Jean-Yves Thibaudet.
Jen S.

They really need to make some improvements here across the board. Mind you i have been spoiled living in Europe where I attended the London Philharmonic for 12 years, and the one in Paris on and off, but be this as it may, San Diego needs to step it up at the Copley. So last night I went to hear the Symphony perform Bolero, and to hear Kathleen Battle (my favorite soprano) and Jean-Yves Thibaudet (my favorite pianist). This has been my third time hearing the symphony in San Diego, and I noticed that the sound quality and the acoustics are terrible. When the symphony ended with Bolero, nobody could hear the music for the first 10 seconds. I mean, people were even mumbling to each other about it, so it wasn't just me who was having this issue. Then when the music became hearable, the oboe was rigid and stiff and the horn made an error. However, the piece finished beautifully and powerfully. The bar is cash only, and only stays open before the performance starts. There was no intermission in this performance. This caused old people to get up from their seats constantly, as their bladder control is not as reliable as those of the young. This caused disruption in the performance, which was annoying. They also don't let you take photos. Now I understand that one shouldn't take flash photos, as it would disrupt others, but before the concert started i took a photo with my phone, flash turned off, and an usher barked at me. In London you can take all the photos you want to. This is just a silly, stupid rule. The bathrooms are also small and cramped and they smelled like they had not been cleaned. The positives? The seats are comfortable and offer good leg room. The decor is nice...just nice. They clearly tried to copy the symphony halls of Europe, but that is not a problem. I guess I am just used to the London Philharmonic where they have intermissions, a lovely open bar with a cafe, large spacious bathrooms that are clean, and friendly ushers. But more importantly, a concert hall that provides amazing sound quality. Even the concert hall in Madison, WI offers better sound.

Brick W.

Went here for the sneak preview of what's to come in the next season. The symphony was great as always as was the conductor. This was the first time I had seen a Concert Speaker to tell a story during a performance. That was interesting. If you do get up to go to the restrooms during the performance you will not be allowed back in until the current piece is finished, so be prepared for that. Also the drinks at the bars are rather pricey [as expected], so expect the drinks to be $2-3 more than most places close by.

Holiday performance.

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Ask the Community - Copley Symphony Hall

Is there parking there?

There is a pay lot diagonal across the street from the concert hall. Is very convenient!

Is there a graduation at 9:30 the 23rd of June here?

It appears NSAD will be holding one on 6/23/18: https://newschoolarch.edu/student-life/graduation/

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

Review Highlights - Copley Symphony Hall

This is mostly due to the band, of course, but Copley Hall is an amazing work of art.

Mentioned in 4 reviews

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As I approached the old law office, we found a line wrapped outside ensuring ID was confirmed prior…read moreto entry. Our group was surprised as is was 2115, it's been open for about an hour and a half and packed. As you enter this old law office down a staircase one would find the "speakeasy statutes/rules" to maintain the 1920s atmosphere-- we loved the setting, the people, the drinks, and of course the live music!! One would not be disappointed. The cocktail menu was on an old record, which I thought it was so clever. Back to the rules, seems pretty easy! They mention to keep an open mind with the drinks as they do not carry vodkas, redbull, Budweiser or bulls**t. Mentioned a dresscode, more so be classic and states be respectful and don't be a di*k. I couldn't agree more with the rules. I don't think there is good at this establishment, as our group just came from dinner I wasn't looking for food. Just spirits, live music and a good time. Highly recommend if you are looking for live music and uniquely crafted cocktails.

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On our last night in San Diego we asked the concierge for a suggestion. We wanted something far…read moreenough away ee could walk our dinner at The Melting Pot but not so far we would have to Uber back. She had complimentary tickets ( usually a $10 cover) to The Shout House, a dueling piano bar. We almost didn't go and let me tell you, that would have been a sad mistake. We walked in and while it was a little loud for us older folks, we looked around and took in all that was happening. There were people there much older than us as well as people barely old enough to be in a bar. The pianist (s) were hard at work a the drummer was rocking out too. We sat down. Let me tell you, that was the most fun we have had in a long time! All three musicians played multiple instruments, piano, harmonica, sax, and drums. The songs were everything from Slim Shady to Elton John and everything in between. Slips of paper were placed on the piano, a nod was given and off they went. The crowd sang along and we all laughed! Some of it was silly but ALL of it was fun! Highly recommend. About 10:30 the older crowd started making their way out, us included, early morning flight but we would have stayed until closing time. We might have paid for it the next day but had we not had a plane to catch we absolutely would have stayed. It was fun to see multiple generations having so much fun together and the music was incredible. We had just eaten so we didn't order food but what we saw on other tables looked good. Go!! You won't be sorry!

When you wake up with a hoarse throat and sore muscles, you know you had a great night of singing…read moreand dancing. Had a blast at dueling pianos, a little cheesy, but the performers kept it rolling and entertaining with little to no lulls. Food is pretty basic bar food, service was top notch. I was amazed how well our server handled what we needed along with everything else he had going on.

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Music Box in Little Italy is such a gem for a fun date night! We went to see CID and had the best…read moretime from start to finish. The layout of the venue is one of my favorite parts--it feels intimate but still gives you options depending on your vibe. Downstairs is where most of the action is, but the upstairs is a total game changer. There's another bar (huge plus), plenty of space to move around, and a patio/terrace area where you can step out, catch some air, and still enjoy the music. It's the perfect balance between being in the crowd and having a more relaxed viewing experience. And the sound system? SO good. Crisp, immersive, and you can feel the music without it being overwhelming--CID sounded incredible. Overall, such a fun and unique spot for a night out or date night. We'll definitely be back for more shows!

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House of Blues - Music Venue - Bread pudding and caramel sauce

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3.3(1.1k reviews)
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Copley Symphony Hall - musicvenues - Updated May 2026

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