Common Questions

Recently answered questions

If you are attending your first performance at Symphony Center, below are some frequently asked questions to help make your experience more enjoyable.

Answered Questions

Can I bring my children?: Question:
Can I bring my children?
Answer:
Children 8 years old and over are welcome at Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Civic Orchestra of Chicago and Symphony Center Presents concerts. Kraft Family Matinee Series concerts are programmed specially for children ages 5 through 8. Every child, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter Orchestra Hall.
-Patron Services
Can I take pictures?: Question:
Can I take pictures?
Answer:
Cameras as well as other recording devices in Orchestra Hall can create major distractions for the musicians and audience members around you. As a result, no still, video cameras or tape recorders are permitted. All equipment should be checked with the house manager prior to entering the auditorium.
-Patron Services
How long is a typical performance?: Question:
How long is a typical performance?
Answer:
Program length varies, but a typical Chicago Symphony Orchestra performance lasts about two hours, including one intermission. Most other events run about the same length, some a little shorter, some a little longer. You can always call us at 312-294-3000 for an estimated length.
-Patron Services
What if I have to cough?: Question:
What if I have to cough?
Answer:
In an effort to help reduce distracting noises and enhance the concert-going experience, the Walgreen Corporation provides complimentary cough suppressant tablets to patrons attending all concerts. Cough drop dispensers, subject to availability, are located throughout Orchestra Hall.
-Patron Services
What should I wear?: Question:
What should I wear?
Answer:
Attending a concert at Symphony Center is always a special occasion; therefore, most patrons enjoy dressing up a bit. Today's standards for business formal dress or business casual dress are both acceptable for concerts at Orchestra Hall. Jeans, shorts and t-shirts are discouraged. After all, the musicians will be wearing their finest (tuxedos or suits on the men and gowns on the women). It is also recommended that patrons refrain from using strong perfumes and colognes so as not to distract the patrons sitting around you.
-Patron Services
When do I clap?: Question:
When do I clap?
Answer:
Many works in classical music, such as a Beethoven symphony or Mozart piano concerto, have three or more movements or sections. A short pause usually falls in between each of them. It has become customary over time not to clap during these short pauses. To find out the number of movements (and corresponding number of pauses) in a piece, turn to the program page in your program book. You will find that each work is subdivided by movement (usually indicated by tempo markings in Italian). After the last movement, clap to your heart's content.
-Patron Services
When should I arrive?: Question:
When should I arrive?
Answer:
We try our best to begin all concerts on time. To help reduce distracting noises during the performances, there are designated pauses in each program when late arrivals will be able to be seated. If you arrive late, you can listen to the concert over the monitors located throughout Symphony Center. There are also video monitors at the bars on floors 1, 5 and 6. However, we recommend that you wait close to your seating area's entrance so that we can seat you as soon as the pause occurs. Unfortunately, some concerts have no late seating. To confirm a particular concert's late seating policy, please call us at 312-294-3000 for updates. If you have to leave a concert before its end, please do so between program works.
-Patron Services
Can I bring my cell phone?: Question:
Can I bring my cell phone?
Answer:
Patrons carrying cell phones, wearing alarm watches and/or electronic paging systems are requested to turn them off before entering the concert hall. Please contact the house manager before entering the auditorium if emergency notification might be required.
-Patron Services

Common Questions

Submit a Question

Recently answered questions

Question:

Can I take pictures?

Answer:

If you are attending your first performance at Symphony Center, below are some frequently asked questions to help make your experience more enjoyable.

Answered Questions

Question:

Can I bring my children?

Answer:

Question:

Can I take pictures?

Answer:

Question:

How long is a typical performance?

Answer:

Program length varies, but a typical Chicago Symphony Orchestra performance lasts about two hours, including one intermission. Most other events run about the same length, some a little shorter, some a little longer. You can always call us at 312-294-3000 for an estimated length.

Question:

What if I have to cough?

Answer:

In an effort to help reduce distracting noises and enhance the concert-going experience, the Walgreen Corporation provides complimentary cough suppressant tablets to patrons attending all concerts. Cough drop dispensers, subject to availability, are located throughout Orchestra Hall.

Question:

What should I wear?

Answer:

Question:

When do I clap?

Answer:

Question:

When should I arrive?

Answer:

Question:

Can I bring my cell phone?

Answer:

Patrons carrying cell phones, wearing alarm watches and/or electronic paging systems are requested to turn them off before entering the concert hall. Please contact the house manager before entering the auditorium if emergency notification might be required.