Frequently Asked Questions
What do I wear?
Where should I park?
How long are performances?
What is the age limit for children?
What time do the doors open?
What is your student / group discount policy?
What time should I be in my seat?
Are there pre-concert lectures?
What is your exchange / refund policy?
What are the rules for etiquette and applause?
When and how can I purchase tickets?
What if my question was not answered here?
What do I wear?
You will see a wide range of clothing at the Orchestra. Generally, wearing business casual (slacks, skirts and a nice shirt) will suffice, yet don't feel bashful about dressing up in something more formal!
Parking is free at Holley Hall, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Neel Performing Arts Center and North Port Performing Arts Center. Valet parking, for a nominal fee is available at the Van Wezel. For concerts at the Sarasota Opera House, there are two parking garages available within walking distance of the Opera House at the Plaza at Five Points and 100 Central. Free valet services are also available.
How long are performances?
Masterworks, Pixel Pops, Great Escapes and Chamber performances run approximately two hours. Family Concerts and Great Escapes Lites run approximately one hour.
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What is the age limit for children?
For Classical, Pixel Pops, Great Escapes, Chamber and Special Event performances we recommend that children be at least eight years old to attend. However, Family Concerts are programmed especially for families and children of all ages. The Sarasota Orchestra has a performance for everyone!
What time do the doors open?
The doors open 30 minutes before each concert begins.
What is your student / group discount policy?
We offer student tickets, with an ID, for $10 to many concerts (must present Student ID at time of purchase). Groups of 20 or more qualify for a special discount. Call the Box Office at (941) 953-3434 for more information.
What time should I be in my seat?
Performances begin promptly, so please plan on arriving at least 15-20 minutes early. Latecomers will be seated at the first appropriate break in the program as determined by the conductor.
Are there pre-concert lectures?
Classical Conversations, informative presentations of each Masterworks program’s musical background, are held the Thursday of each Masterworks concert week at 10:30 a.m. in Holley Hall. Tickets cost $8 and are available at the door.
What is your exchange / refund policy?
If you have purchased tickets but are unable to use them, simply present the tickets to our Box Office before the performance occurs. We will gladly help you exchange the tickets for any upcoming performance within the same season. Non-subscribers will be charged $5.00 for each ticket exchanged.
We do not provide refunds. If you cannot attend, we invite you to donate your tickets to the Orchestra at least 24 hours prior to a performance. You will receive a tax-deductible donation acknowledgment for the value of the tickets.
What are the rules for etiquette and applause?
Arrive within plenty of time to take your seat before the performance begins. We recommend arriving 30 minutes prior to start time in order to use the restroom, find your seats, peruse the program and read the program notes to learn a little more about the music that evening.
Performances begin promptly at the scheduled starting time. Latecomers will be seated at an appropriate break in the program, as determined by the conductor.
Prior to the performance, please turn off all audio alerts including watch alarms, cell phones, and pagers. If needed, please give any of these items to the house manager, along with your seating location.
Applause:
It is customary to applaud when the conductor enters the stage. You may take this cue from those who can see the conductor's entrance. Most classical works are broken into movements, with a slight pause indicating the end of one movement and the beginning of the next. As a standard practice, applause is held until after all movements of the piece have been completed. If you are unclear as to when the piece has been completed, simply wait until the music has stopped and the conductor has turned around to face the audience. If you just can't restrain your enthusiasm for a particular movement, feel free to clap at its conclusion!
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When and How can I purchase tickets?
Our Box Office is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Tickets may be purchased online at www.SarasotaOrchestra.org, in person or by calling (941) 953-3434.
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What if my question was not answered here?
Please feel free to send us an email at info@SarasotaOrchestra.org.
