A video screen at the Rady Shell highlights Sycuan’s sponsorship. Photo courtesy of the symphony
The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation and Sycuan Casino Resort have made a historic $1.1 million donation to the San Diego Symphony.
It’s the single largest cash gift to an arts organization by a sovereign tribal nation in Southern California.
“We are honored to present this donation to the San Diego Symphony in support of their many local artistic community programs,” said Cody Martinez, chairman of the Sycuan Band. “Through the Kumeyaay spirit of giving, it is very important for us to invest in all aspects of our community, especially arts and culture.”
“We are very proud of our longstanding partnership with the symphony and look forward to being a part of the different musical events and experiences that they continue to bring to life for the San Diego community,” he added.
The gift, announced last week, will support the symphony’s “The Future is HEAR” development campaign, which includes construction of the Rady Shell, renovation of Copley Symphony Hall and operational support of the symphony’s wide-ranging artistic and community programs.
Sycuan’s gift brings the total raised to date to $123.5 million of the $125 million campaign goal.
In recognition of the gift, the symphony has created the Sycuan Community Plaza at the Rady Shell, and Sycuan will become the lead sponsor of a program to bring music to the community through free neighborhood concerts and free performances in hospitals, senior residences and community centers.
“We are honored to have this extraordinary gift from Sycuan to support The Future is HEAR campaign and our community programming,” said symphony CEO Martha Gilmer “Together we are building greater access to cultural experiences in our region.”