Getting to Symphony Hall (2024)

FAQs

How early should I arrive at SF symphony? ›

Doors open approximately 45 minutes before the concert. When you arrive, you or another adult must be at the FRONT of your group. Be prepared to give ushers the exact number of people in the group, including all children, adults, and yourself.

The most balanced sound in the hall is usually in the center of the hall. If you are looking for the purest sound, this area would be a great place to look! If you are looking for a seat closer to the stage, some parts of the orchestra will be more prominent.

We're asked this a lot and the answer is NO! This is your experience – dress how you feel comfortable!

Women: Pants are fine. Jeans are fine, just bump it up a notch. If you wear jeans, wear a dressier top, wear fancier shoes, and add an interesting piece of jewelry. Dresses and skirts are fine, but keep the sparkles for the evening concerts.

It's always best to choose attire that is elegant, subdued, and in line with the sophistication of the symphony setting, such as dress pants, a dress shirt or blouse, and closed-toe shoes.

While there is no dress code, formal attire is requested for certain performances and many guests will be dressed in semi-formal or business attire.

Bags larger than the standard backpack size of 18” x 14” x 9” will not be permitted. Guests may only sit in their ticketed seats and must show their tickets when requested. Every guest must have a ticket. No smoking or vaping of any substance will be permitted in the hall.

Orchestra seats get you closest to the stage, but being in the mezzanine or balcony can give you a wider, fuller view of the stage from a little higher up, especially as compared to a section like the side orchestra, where you might be closer, but might not have a full view of one far side of the stage.

I'm about to purchase online, but I notice some seats have an “I” designated to them. This indicates further information can be found regarding the position of the seat or can, in some cases, mean there is restricted view. Hovering your cursor above the seat gives further information.

Seat-side preference was found to be modified by the map's arrangement: With screen, stage, or entrance on top, participants preferred seats to the right of the screen, stage, or entrance, while for the other positions the results were not conclusive.

Can you wear a hat to a symphony? ›

What do I wear? Chances are, when you come to the hall, the performers will be in formal attire (unless you are attending a rehearsal). As an audience member, however, tails, top hats, evening gowns, etc., are all optional.

A symphony is a big piece in several ways. Though it's divided into separate parts (usually, four individual movements), a typical Classical Period symphony can last between 25 and 35 minutes.

We all know what an open rehearsal is: an audience is allowed to watch a rehearsal in progress, which is a way of inviting fortunate individuals to witness the workings of music making.

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the concert start time. This will give you enough time to park, find your seat, look over the printed program, and relax before the music begins.

Arrive right when the doors open if you have general admission tickets. Sometimes this is only an hour before the show begins, and other times it's hours. Depending on how committed you are to getting a spot in the front row, you should get there as early as you can.

We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before to allow time to park, pass a quick security inspection as you enter the hall, find your seat and look through the program book. You are also welcome to join us for our 7 p.m. Preview Talks before each Classical Series concert.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? We encourage you to come as yourself in a style of your choice—there is no right way to enjoy the Symphony!