Welcome to your Tucson Symphony Orchestra!
We are so excited that you will soon be joining us for your first concert! We hope it will be the first concert of many. Our ultimate goal is to provide you with an exceptional concert experience and to inspire you to join us on a regular basis. We’ve put together this “First-timers Guide” to answer any of your pre-concert questions. If you have a question not answered in the guide, please don’t hesitate to send us a message on Facebook or Instagram, or to email us.
What do I wear to a concert?
Fancy Attire NOT required. We want you to feel comfortable during your time with us, if you love to dress up, please do so, you won’t be the only one. If you’re more comfortable in casual attire, that’s fine too! Long gone are the days when the symphony was a black-tie affair.
Where are your performances held?
We hold performances in several locations throughout Tucson. Our Classic Series concerts and Special Events (unless otherwise noted) are held at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall in the heart of downtown Tucson. The concerts in our Masterworks series are held at the beautiful Catalina Foothills High School concert hall located in Northwest Tucson. Up Close concerts are held at our very own Tucson Symphony Center just 2 miles north of the University of Arizona. Please see the individual concert pages for exact locations.
How long is a concert?
Program length varies from concert to concert but usually ranges from 90 to 120 minutes.
How long is intermission?
Intermission runs for 20 minutes, enough time to snap a selfie, grab a refreshment and visit the restroom. You can also come and chat with us in the lobby. We love talking to you! TSO employees are always on hand to answer questions, listen to your feedback and provide information about our upcoming performances.
Will there be refreshments?
Yes, paid concessions are available before the concert and during intermission at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall and Catalina Foothills High School.
Are there provisions for people with disabilities?
Absolutely! All our venues accommodate wheelchairs. The balconies of the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall can be reached from the elevators located in the northeast corner of the lobby. If you require any further accommodation, please email us or call us at: 520.882.8585.
How early should I arrive?
We recommend arriving 30 minutes to 1 hour early to allow yourself adequate time to park, purchase refreshments and find your seat before the concert begins. You can also enjoy Concert Comments before each Classic and Masterworks series concert.
What are Concert Comments?
Whether you are an expert in classical music or a first-timer, you’re sure to learn something new and interesting at Concert Comments. Concert Comments are pre-show talks held one hour before each concert in our Classic and Masterworks series. The talks give the audience a chance to learn the story behind the music you are about to hear through interesting facts and details about each musical selection.
What happens if I’m late?
We understand that life happens and that you might arrive after the concert’s start time. Our friendly ushers will seat you at the most convenient break in the music. In order to be courteous to the musicians and other audience members we unfortunately, cannot seat guests while the symphony is performing.
Are your concerts kid friendly?
We love kids! Our Just for Kids concerts are the perfect, fun introduction to the symphony for our youngest audiences with the shortest attention spans. Our Classic Series and Masterworks concerts are best suited to children 5 and up, as the programs tend to be a bit too long for infants and toddlers. Please note, all attendees including infants must have a ticket.
My seats are on the balcony, are there elevators?
The balconies of the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall can be reached from the elevators located in the northeast corner of the lobby.
Where can I go before or after a concert?
As the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy there is no shortage of delicious and unique restaurants to try. Concerts held at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall are walking distance to some of the best locally owned restaurants, bars, and shops that Tucson has to offer! Concerts held at the Catalina Foothills High School concert hall and the Tucson Symphony Center are just a short drive from a wide variety of places to eat, drink and play.
Can I take pictures/videos during a concert?
You are welcome to take photos before the concert begins and during the intermission. In fact, we love seeing your TSO photos on social media, please tag us @tucsonsymphony so that we can comment and share. However, we must insist that you please DO NOT take photos or videos while the musicians are performing and that you place your phone on silent so as not to interrupt the musicians or disturb your fellow concert goers.
I loved the concert! How can I attend more?
Hearing that you loved the concert is music to our ears! The easiest and most affordable way to attend more concerts is to purchase one of our subscription options. Please visit us in the lobby during a concert intermission to learn more.
