FAQs
What should I wear?
There is no dress code at WSO concerts; wear what makes you feel comfortable. Business casual or semi-formal attire are popular choices, with formal wear reserved for galas.
When should I arrive?
The box office opens 90 minutes before the performance, and the lobby opens one hour before. To get settled and fully enjoy your evening, we recommend arriving 30-45 minutes prior to the start of the concert.
Keep in mind that the Centennial Concert Hall is located near several other theatres, venues, and Exchange District hotspots, so you may want to give yourself extra time to find parking. For information on parking and directions, click here.
What are pre-concert chats and where are they located?
Pre-concert chats are a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the music, the performers, and what you can anticipate hearing. They are available before most classic performances and are usually led by the conductor and guest artists, such as soloists or composers.
How do I get my tickets?
When you purchase a ticket, you can choose how you would like to receive it. We recommend selecting the e-ticket option. You receive the e-ticket via email five days before the concert, and it can be printed or scanned at entry from your smartphone. You can also opt to have your tickets held at the box office for pick up prior to the performance, or if you have booked enough in advance, tickets can be mailed to you. If you encounter ticket problems, go to the box office, where our staff will reissue your tickets.
What if I arrive late?
All latecomers will be asked by the ushers to wait in the lobby until late seating break, at which time you may be seated in temporary seats near the entrance. You will be able to move to your ticketed seat after intermission. You may also watch and listen to the concert on monitors throughout the lobby until we are able to seat you inside the hall.
Are there refreshments available?
Bars and concessions are located throughout the lobby and Piano Nobile. Spirits, wine, beers, liqueurs, soft drinks, coffee, tea, cappuccino, assorted juices, ice cream, and small snacks are available for purchase at most performances.
You may bring your beverage in the theatre, simply request a disposable cup and lid from the attendant. Plastic bottle beverages are allowed as well. Centennial Concert Hall does not permit glass or food inside the theatre.
How do I find my seats?
Your ticket will specify a portal number. As you enter the lobby of the hall, even number portals will be your left, odd number portals on your right. Your row and seat will be through the designated portal. Ushers are located throughout the hall and are happy to answer any questions you might have.
Where is the best place to sit?
It’s helpful to think of the view of the orchestra you’d like to have- some patrons prefer to sit on the left hand side of the hall to have a better view of the soloist, others like a balcony view of the entire ensemble.
It’s also important to note that depending on where you sit in the hall, you may experience the sound of the orchestra a little differently. If you sit on the right side, you may hear a bit more of the brass, or if you sit on the left, more of the violins. That being said, there really are great seats at every price point, and our experienced patron service representatives are happy to help you choose the perfect spot.
How long is a concert? Is there an intermission?
A typical concert consists of a 90-120-minute program with a 20-minute intermission. The program usually consists of several pieces, with short pauses in between for introductions and setup changes. There’s no intermission on our Thursday Classics concert series.
When do I clap?
During classical music performances, spontaneous clapping used to be common, but customs have since changed to recognize the importance of silence in music. Composers like Mahler, Mendelssohn, and Schumann blurred one movement into the next to prevent sporadic clapping. While it’s okay to express appreciation, it’s best to follow the lead of those around you and enjoy moments of silence, as they are just as important as the music itself.
When can I use my phone / what is your mobile device policy?
One of the best parts of attending a WSO concert is the transformative experience of being fully immersed in the moment. Our performances are an opportunity to unplug, refresh, and take full advantage of the revitalizing power of music.
However, we understand that you might need to check for a text from the babysitter or the concert digital program. Please be courteous to everyone around you by keeping your sound completely off and your brightness at the lowest setting.
Can I take photos?
Photos and videos can be taken in the lobby areas of the concert hall at any time. Once in your seats, photos can only be taken before, after the performance, or during intermission. Remember to tag us (@wpgsymphony) in your photos!
Please note that audio and video recordings of any length of the concert are strictly prohibited.
Is there any other concert etiquette I should be aware of?
The basic etiquette of attending a symphony concert is much like attending a movie. Please refrain from talking/whispering while the music is playing, and be mindful of the noise that is made when unwrapping lozenges or sorting through your personal belongings. This helps ensure a pleasant environment not just for everyone in attendance, but for the musicians on stage as well (believe it or not, they can see and hear you!)
Share the air, go scent-free. All WSO concerts are scent-free. We ask that you please be considerate of those in the audience who may have allergies and/or multiple chemical sensitivities and refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, or other scented products.
Can I bring my children to the symphony?
Kids’ Concerts are a great way to introduce children to the symphony while ensuring a memorable experience that is fun for the whole family. Pre-concert activities are available an hour before the concert, so make sure to arrive early!
For other concerts, children’s pricing is available for ages 3-12 years of age. Babies in arms (children 2 years and younger) are welcome to attend Kid’s Concerts but are not allowed at Classics, Live at the WSO, or Night at the Movies performances.
Special ticket prices are available for ages 13-17 through our Junior Soundcheck program (or if you’re a little bit older, check out Soundcheck for attendees ages 18-39).
Is wheelchair accessible seating available?
Wheelchair-accessible seating is available at the Centennial Concert Hall. Please let a Patron Services Representative know of any special needs when initially booking your tickets. You may also inquire about accessible parking availability when you purchase your tickets. For detailed information on accessibility at the concert hall, please view our Accessibility section.
