Attending the Symphony
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear?
Whether it's Birkenstocks or a ball gown, please wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. At most Seattle Symphony concerts you'll see a majority of concert-goers in business or business casual attire.
When should I arrive?
Plan to arrive 20 to 30 minutes before the concert is scheduled to begin. Sporting events and parades in downtown Seattle can occasionally affect day-of-concert traffic; you can find any planned traffic revisions posted on our homepage prior to the concert. Patrons obtaining tickets at Will Call are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes early. For Masterworks Season performances, educational Pre-concert Talks beginning one hour before concert start time. Ticketholders who arrive after the concert begins will be seated in the auditorium only during appropriate pauses in the music. A video monitor in the Samuel and Althea Stroum Grand Lobby allows late patrons to hear and see the action on stage while waiting for late seating opportunities.
May I bring my children?
Children five years of age and older are welcome at all performances with a purchased ticket. Children of all ages are welcome at Tiny Tots and Kindermusik concerts.
May I bring my large bag or backpack?
Large bags, backpacks and knapsacks are not allowed in Benaroya Hall. These items may be left at the complementary secured coat check in The Boeing Company Gallery.
May I take pictures or record the concert?
The use of still, video and digital cameras or audio recording equipment is strictly prohibited at all times.
When do I applaud?
Here are a few tips for newcomers who may be unsure about when to applaud at a Symphony concert: Once the performance begins, you'll notice in your program book that many musical works have multiple movements or sections. While a short pause often follows each movement, it is customary to refrain from applauding during these pauses. After the final movement of a work, the conductor will turn around, a sure sign that it's time to applaud. If all else fails, you can always wait for the rest of the audience to begin clapping.
Can I buy food or drinks at the performance?
There are a variety of dining options at Benaroya Hall. Learn more about your options here.
How long is a typical performance?
Most Seattle Symphony performances are about two hours, including one 20-minute intermission. Tiny Tots, Kindermusik and Gilman Family Discover Music concerts, as well as other children's performances last one hour or less with no intermission.
Where can I learn about the music before the concert?
All Masterworks season performances include Pre-concert Talks — lectures which discuss composers or musical works featured in that day's concert. Program notes are provided in the program book you receive from the ushers upon entering the concert hall. Browse your concert's page on our website — for select performances you will find program notes, audio samples other educational materials. Seattle Symphony subscribers can access the extensive online Naxos Music Library and stream music at any time.
What if I'm unable to attend my performance?
All single ticket sales for non-subscribers are final.
Seattle Symphony Subscribers may exchange any of their tickets for other performances within the same season. If you cannot attend a performance, simply exchange tickets at least 24 hours before the performance. All subscribers have access to free ticket exchanges online, by fax, via mail or in person. Free exchange by phone exchanges will be available beginning July 30, 2011. There is an additional cost if seating upgrades apply, and all exchange requests are subject to availability.
If you will miss a performance and do not wish to exchange for a different date, you may donate your ticket back to the Seattle Symphony and receive a donation receipt. Please contact the Seattle Symphony Ticket Office at 206.215.4747 at your earliest convenience. Tickets may be donated up to 90 minutes prior to the concert. On concert nights, please call 206.215.4790.
How can I learn more about Seattle Symphony?
Learn more about the Symphony and stay-up-to-date by joining our social network on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. You can sign up to receive email notifications about Symphony performances, events and promotions. Or, find out more about Seattle Symphony by exploring our website and the organization's online press kit.
If you have futher questions, please contact us at info@seattlesymphony.org.
We look forward to seeing you at the Symphony!