A Reimagined Jacoby Symphony Hall
By Steven Libman
The 2026/27 season of the Jacksonville Symphony will introduce new sounds, new faces, and a refreshed experience for our audiences. As I write this, Jacoby Symphony Hall is undergoing a significant transformation, with larger, more comfortable seating, new carpet, enhanced acoustic elements, and new speakers—all set to debut in time for the upcoming season.
This project has been in development for more than two years in collaboration with Stages Consultants, a New Jersey-based firm specializing in the planning, design, and construction of performing arts venues, Doherty Sommers Architects Engineers, Inc., and general contractor the Angelo Group. Together, we approached every detail with care—from selecting fabrics and colors to testing seating with a range of constituents and making decisions on carpeting, cushioning, and overall design. One of the greatest challenges was in the timing to complete a full renovation within a tight 12-week window during the symphony’s off season.
Demolition began on June 8 and is scheduled for completion by the end of August, just ahead of our 77th season. So, what can audiences expect when they return? A more comfortable, immersive, and acoustically refined concert experience.
At the heart of this transformation is the installation of new seating. These seats have been thoughtfully designed not only for comfort but also to enhance the hall’s acoustic performance. Each seat features a sleek wooden base that helps support sound distribution, reducing echoes and reverberation rather than simply absorbing noise. The seats will be slightly wider, so there will be a small reduction in capacity, but views from every seat will remain the same. The previous seating served us well for nearly 30 years, and earlier this summer, many of those seats found new life through donations to local nonprofits.
Accessibility and safety have also been key priorities. The renovation includes additional wheelchair-accessible seating, improved aisle lighting, and new handrails throughout the hall, ensuring a more welcoming and secure environment for all guests.
Beyond the audience experience, these upgrades will also benefit our musicians. New acoustic shelving installed on stage will allow performers to hear themselves and each other with greater clarity. This enhancement also supports our conductors and guest artists, enriching performances throughout the entire season. Improved communication on stage will not only elevate the sound in the hall but also create a more inspiring environment for each performer.
To complete the transformation, the hall will feature a new speaker system equipped with advanced technology to deliver clearer vocals and more balanced sound for our non-classical concerts. This upgrade will be especially impactful for performances in our Terry Family Foundation Pops Series, Symphonic Night at the Movies Series, and special events. In addition to improving sound quality, the new system eliminates the need for rented equipment, allowing us to reallocate those savings into artistic programming, music education, and community outreach initiatives.
This renovation has been made possible through the generous support of our community, including the Terry Family Foundation and many others. We are deeply grateful to be part of a community that values the arts and continues to invest in its future.
We look forward to welcoming both returning and new audiences to a reimagined Jacoby Symphony Hall in September 2026.
Tickets: JaxSymphony.org or call (904) 354-5547
