Frequently Asked Questions
If you're new to Symphony Center or to a Civic Orchestra of Chicago concert, you may have some questions about what to expect. To help you plan your experience, we've compiled the most frequently asked questions by our patrons about the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.
May I bring my children?
Children eight years old and over are welcome at Civic Orchestra of Chicago concerts at Symphony Center. Although the Civic Orchestra does not program concerts specifically for children, we do present concerts in the community that are geared to a general audience. Please call our Concert Hotline at (312) 294-3807 for more information about concerts in your area!
Is there a pre-concert lecture?
The Civic Orchestra of Chicago does have pre-concert lectures in the Grainger Ballroom before each full orchestra concert at Symphony Center at 6:00pm. The Grainger Ballroom is located on the second floor of Symphony Center. Lectures are a half hour in length.
Do I need a ticket to attend?
Tickets are not required for Civic Orchestra concerts at community venues; however, they are required for all Symphony Center performances. Call the Concert Hotline at (312) 294-3807 and leave a message with your name, address, and phone number if you wish to receive concert tickets.
Are seats assigned?
Civic Orchestra of Chicago concerts are general admission, with only the first few rows of the Lower Balcony and the Box Level reserved for donors of $1,000-$2,500 or more.
When does the hall open?
The doors to Orchestra Hall generally open approximately one hour before the concert start time (7pm for an 8pm concert, for example). Since our concerts are general admission, we ask our patrons to arrive early. To make entry into Orchestra Hall safe and comfortable for everyone, patrons are asked to form a line in the Arcade just outside the Orchestra Hall Lobby until the doors open.
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