Attending the Symphony
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear?
Although attending Seattle Symphony performances is often a special occasion, tuxedos and evening gowns are not required. Many patrons do enjoy dressing formally for gala events, but most of the time you'll see concertgoers in business or business casual attire. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable!
When should I arrive?
Many patrons arrive 20 to 30 minutes before the concert is scheduled to begin. Patrons obtaining tickets at Will Call are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes early. This allows for leisurely review of the program for the evening. For UBS Masterworks Season performances, we offer pre-concert lectures that begin 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 Discover Music! and Tiny Tots 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 secured coat check in The Boeing Company Gallery.
May I bring my cellular or wireless phone?
Please turn off all cellular phones before entering the concert hall. Please also disconnect electronic signals on watches and paging devices before the performance. If you expect an urgent call, you may leave your paging device and seat location at the Head Usher's station in the Samuel and Althea Stroum Grand Lobby or in the lobby of the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall.
May I take pictures?
The use of still, video and digital cameras or audio recording equipment is strictly prohibited at all times.
When do I applaud?
Applause at Seattle Symphony performances is meant both as a greeting and to show appreciation for the artists.
Just before the concert begins, after all the musicians are seated, the concertmaster takes the stage.
They also applaud to greet the concertmaster and again a few moments later to greet the conductor and/or soloists.
Once the performance begins, you'll notice in your program book that many musical works have multiple movements or sections.
A short pause often follows each movement.
It is customary to refrain from applauding during these pauses.
After the final movement of a work, applaud to your heart's content.
If you still aren't certain when to applaud, a good sign is when the conductor either turns around or steps off the podium. If all else fails, you can always wait for the rest of the audience to begin clapping.
How long is a typical performance?
Although concert length varies, most performances are about two hours, including one 20-minute intermission. Discover Music!, Meet the Beat, Tiny Tots and other children's performances last one hour or less with no intermission.
How can I learn about the music before the concert?
For some performances, Seattle Symphony presents pre-concert lectures to 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.
You may want to arrive 20 to 30 minutes before the performance to review the program notes.
Program notes for select performances are available online.
You can also visit Soundbridge Seattle Symphony Music Discovery Center, which features an extensive Listening Bar for symphonic repertoire in addition to adult education offerings, such as composer lectures.
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What if I'm unable to attend my performance?
All single ticket sales for non-subscribers are final.
Subscribers (those who have purchased a series) 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 fee-free ticket exchanges online, by fax, via mail or in person.
Phone exchanges will be available beginning October 1, 2007, for a fee of $15 per ticket, unless you qualify for the nine-concert package phone exchange bonus.*
There is an additional cost if seating upgrades apply, and all exchange requests are subject to availability.
You may also 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.
*Subscribers who have purchased a package(s) that totals nine or more concerts have access to fee-free ticket exchanges by phone beginning October 1, 2007. These concerts must be built into a series package. Single ticket purchases are excluded.
How can I learn more about Seattle Symphony?
The best way is to attend a Seattle Symphony performance or event!
You also can sign up to receive email notifications about Symphony performances, events and promotions.
Find out more about Seattle Symphony by exploring our website and the organization's online press kit.
If you have further questions, please contact us at info@seattlesymphony.org.
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