ATTENDING CONCERTS: SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

What are the Ticket Office hours at Copley Symphony Hall?
What are the Box Office hours at Embarcadero Marina Park South?
Will you sell tickets at the Neurosciences Institute for the Chamber Music Series?
Does San Diego Symphony offer subscriptions?
Do I get to keep my same seats as a subscriber?
How can I buy just single tickets to San Diego Symphony events?
How should I dress for a Symphony performance? Does the Symphony have a dress code?
Is there public transportation near Symphony Hall?
Does Symphony Hall have an elevator?
Does the San Diego Symphony offer senior pricing?
Does the San Diego Symphony have special student pricing?
What is San Diego Symphony’s ticket exchange policy?
What happens if I lose my tickets?
Does the San Diego Symphony offer group sales discounts?
What is San Diego Symphony’s children’s policy?
Does the San Diego Symphony sell gift certificates?
What happens if I have tickets I will be unable to use for an upcoming San Diego Symphony concert?
How do you ensure a quiet environment inside Symphony Hall’s performance chamber for concerts?
May I take a picture of the Symphony onstage, or record part of a concert on my recorder?
What is San Diego Symphony’s smoking policy?
What happens if I arrive late to my concert?
Is it better to purchase seats on the main or upper level of Copley Symphony Hall?
Can I get a refund for any missed Symphony concerts if I have a subscription?
How long are most San Diego Symphony performances?
How can I learn more about the music pieces being performed on a concert?
Privacy – Does the San Diego Symphony have an online privacy policy?

What are the Ticket Office hours at Copley Symphony Hall?

Copley Symphony Hall Ticket Office (located at 750 B Street, NE corner of 7th and B in downtown San Diego) hours are:

Monday through Friday, 10am to 6pm

Concert Thursdays and Fridays: 10am through intermission

Concert Saturdays: 12 noon through intermission

Matinee Concert Sundays: 12 noon through 4pm. (On non-concert Sundays: phone only)

Evening Concert Sundays: 12 noon through the evening intermission.

 

What are the Box Office hours at Embarcadero Marina Park South?

During the Summer Pops season, the Embarcadero Box Office is open from 12 noon through intermission of any concert day.

 

Will you sell tickets at the Auditorium of TSRI for the Chamber Music Series?

There will be a Ticket Services table at the Auditorium of TSRI (10640 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, CA 92121) beginning at 6:30pm (1 hour before performance) on those Chamber Music Series concert days. Neurosciences concert tickets may be available for purchase at the Ticket Services table night of show but we advise you call our ticket office between 10am and 6pm that day to check availability before coming down .

 

Does San Diego Symphony offer subscriptions?

San Diego Symphony offers an attractive array of subscription options. Traditional subscribers receive the best available seats and free ticket exchanges (up to 24 hours in advance for another performance within your same series). Build Your Own subscribers have no continuing seat rights, and must pay $5 per ticket for exchanges. Many other subscriber-only benefits apply, including priority notice of special events and (for certain packages) free parking. For more information, call the Symphony Ticket Office at 619.235.0804.

 

Do I get to keep my same seats as a subscriber?
Generally speaking, Traditional Series subscribers (i.e. have same seats each concert in series) are able to retain and possibly upgrade their seats season to season. Subscribers should note that seating availability in the Grand Tier section is informed by giving history.

 

How can I buy just single tickets to San Diego Symphony events?

For single ticket information call 619.235.0804, visit www.sandiegosymphony.com or visit the Symphony Ticket Office at Symphony Hall.

 

How should I dress for a Symphony performance? Does the Symphony have a dress code?
The San Diego Symphony does not have a dress code for regular performances. Dress for performances usually varies from business casual to eveningwear, but our best advice is this: dress in a way that reflects your respect for what the musicians are trying to accomplish onstage. (Note: Gala events may have a black tie/formal dress guideline). Also, as a courtesy to your fellow patrons, be conservative with perfumes and scents.

 

Is there public transportation near Symphony Hall?
There is a Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) trolley stop just a few blocks from Symphony Hall. The Fifth Avenue stop (C Street between Sixth and Fifth) serves both the Blue Line and the Orange Line. Also, there are MTS bus lines that serve nearby Broadway, Fifth Avenue and Fourth Avenue. Please note: The Fifth Avenue Trolley Station is CLOSED for reconstruction until the middle of March 2013. Adjacent stations are several walking blocks away from Symphony Hall.

 

Does Symphony Hall have an elevator?
Yes. There is an elevator (operated by ushers) that runs from the ground floor Symphony Hall lobby (accessed from B Street) to the Reception area adjacent to the Grand Tier/Mezzanine/Balcony lobby (accessed from 7th Ave). Note: patrons should be aware that rows E-S in the upper section is only accessible by using stairs.

Does the San Diego Symphony offer senior pricing?

There is a general senior (age 60+) discount for most seats at Copley Symphony Hall, Embarcadero Marina Park South and the Neurosciences Institute. Senior discounts do not apply in the Grand Tier, Main 1, A-1, Mezzanine 1, Champagne or Premium Cabaret or Lawn sections.

 

Does the San Diego Symphony have special student pricing?

Students under the age of 35 with current ID may enjoy any San Diego Symphony concert at Copley Symphony Hall for just $10 (CASH ONLY) but must purchase their tickets no sooner than one hour in advance, limit two per ID, subject to availability. The first Saturday night concert of each month is SNL (Symphony Night Live)! College students under the age of 35 with current ID can purchase up to two tickets for each month's first Saturday night performance in person or by phone the week prior to the concert for only $10 each (cash or credit card).  There is also a general student discount of $3 for most seats at Symphony concerts. For more information please call 619.235.0804.

What is San Diego Symphony’s ticket exchange policy?
Traditional Subscribers may exchange tickets for free (anytime up to 48 hours before the performance) within their same series, based on ticket availability. Non-subscribers and “Build Your Own” subscribers can do the same, with a $5 exchange fee per ticket. Exchanges for certain special sale promotions (such as 3 for $99) are not allowed at all. Tickets must be returned to the Ticket Office either in person, by mail or by fax (619.231.3848) no later than 48 hours in advance of your performance.

What happens if I lose my tickets?

San Diego Symphony concert tickets can be reprinted free of charge at the Ticket Office with proper ID.

 

Does the San Diego Symphony offer group sales discounts?

Discount tickets for groups are available for both subscription and non-subscription concerts (excluding non-Symphony events) for as few as 10 individuals in some cases. For further information, please call 619.236.5403.

 

What is San Diego Symphony’s children’s policy?

Jacobs Masterworks, Chamber Series and Symphony Exposé Concerts: Only children ages five years and up will be allowed into the concert hall. These children must have a ticket and be able to sit in an un-accompanied seat.
City Lights, International Passport and Fox Theater Film Series: Only children ages two and up will be allowed into the concert hall; they must have a ticket and be able to sit in a seat.
Family Festival Concerts: Families will be happy to know that children and babies two years old and younger who are accompanied by a parent will be allowed into the concert hall for free. They must be held by an adult and may not occupy a seat. (Children ages three years and older must have a ticket and be able to sit in a seat.)
 

Does the San Diego Symphony sell gift certificates?

Gift certificates may be purchased in any amount $10 and above at the Symphony Ticket Office in person, online or by phone. As they are like cash, gift certificates should be redeemed in person at our performance venues. Please note that gift certificates are not redeemable for Gift Shop merchandise. All gift certificate and ticket sales are final; there are no refunds.

 

What happens if I have tickets I will be unable to use for an upcoming San Diego Symphony concert?

If you cannot use a ticket for an upcoming concert, we would very much appreciate it if you could donate that ticket back to the Ticket Office (preferably several days in advance!) for a potential resale. You can also mail such a ticket to 1245 7th Ave., San Diego, CA 92101 (Attn: Ticket Office). Tickets should be turned in anytime up to 24 hours in advance of your concert. A receipt will be mailed acknowledging your tax-deductible contribution. (We would be unable to accept any tickets for tax deduction purposes after the concert has begun or passed).

 

How do you ensure a quiet environment inside Symphony Hall’s performance chamber for concerts?

The Symphony tries to establish a “Quiet Zone” inside the performance hall by asking patrons to please turn all cellular and paging devices to the “vibrate” or (better) “off” position upon entry into Symphony Hall. Also, patrons are asked to refrain from any unnecessary talking during a peformance, and to please disable any malfunctioning hearing assistance devices. Patron cooperation is greatly appreciated by your fellow concertgoers and performers alike!

 

May I take a picture of the Symphony onstage, or record part of a concert on my recorder?

San Diego Symphony has a very firm policy on these matters: Cell phone photography of any kind is not permitted in the performance chamber, and no unauthorized cameras or recording devices of any other kind are allowed to be used inside the performance chamber. Only lobby use of these devices is permitted.

 

What is San Diego Symphony’s smoking policy?

Smoking is not permitted in Copley Symphony Hall, its lobbies or the adjoining

Symphony Towers lobby. Ashtrays can be found outside the building on both 7th Avenue and B Street. All smoking activity should be kept well away from all entrances.

 

What happens if I arrive late to my concert?

Latecomers to Symphony concerts will be seated at an appropriate interval in the concert as determined by the house manager. We ask that you remain in your ticketed seat until the concert has concluded. Should special circumstances exist or arise, please contact the nearest usher for assistance. 

 

Is it better to purchase seats on the main or upper level of Copley Symphony Hall?

Determining the best seat for you really depends on your personal need and preferences. Some people prefer the upper levels where there are sweeping views of the entire orchestra. Other patrons prefer to sit on the main floor to feel "closer" to the stage. If someone in your party has difficulty climbing stairs, you will want to sit in the main floor area.  (We do have an elevator, but the upper level does have steps up and down to certain seats in each section. Wheelchairs can be accommodated on either level, call the Ticket Office for details). You may also want to sit on the main floor close to the stage, if your primary interest is seeing a particular guest artist up close.

 

Can I get a refund for any missed Symphony concerts if I have a subscription?
Tickets for missed concerts are non-refundable for subscribers and single ticket buyers alike.

 

How long are most San Diego Symphony performances?
Performance times vary, but generally last somewhere between 2 to 2.5 hours, including intermission. Family Festival Programs generally last approximately 45 minutes to 70 minutes, with no intermission.

 

How can I learn more about the music pieces being performed on a concert?
Patrons holding tickets to our Jacobs Masterworks Series concerts are invited to come early for "What's the Score?", a pre-performance talk given by Voice of the San Diego Symphony Nuvi Mehta beginning 45 minutes prior to all Masterworks programs. Program notes for Jacobs Masterworks Series concerts may be found on the Symphony's website.

 

Privacy – Does the San Diego Symphony have an online privacy policy?
Yes, click here for a pdf document of the policy.