Frequently Asked Questions (including Late Seating Policy)

What should I wear?
Although attending a Sacramento Philharmonic Concert is often a special occasion, tuxedos and evening gowns are not required.  Many enjoy dressing formally for special events such as the season opening concert.  However, most concertgoers dress in business or semi-casual attire.  Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable!

When should I arrive?
If you already have your tickets, we recommend arriving 20-30 minutes before the concert is scheduled to begin.  This gives you a chance to enjoy refreshments, review the concert program and find your seats without feeling rushed.  If you plan on picking up tickets at Will Call or purchasing tickets at the door, please arrive no later than 45-minutes prior to the concert.  Ticket holders who arrive after the concert begins will be seated in the hall only during appropriate pauses in the music at the discretion of the ushers.  You may also be asked to take temporary seats in the back of the hall until intermission when you can take your ticketed seats.  To participate in the Pre-Concert Lecture Series, you should arrive one hour before the concert begins and let the usher show you to a temporary seat in the front of the hall.  You will have time to take your regular seat at the end of the lecture.

May I bring children?
Children 10 years of age and older are welcome at all performances with a purchased ticket, unless it is a performance specifically programmed for (or with) children.  There are youngsters who may be ready for the concert experience at an earlier age.  Please use parental discretion – and take responsibility for the behavior of your children at all times.

When do I applaud?
Applause at Sacramento Philharmonic performances is meant both as a greeting and to show appreciation for the artists.  Just before the concert begins, after all the musicians are seated, the Concertmaster comes on stage to tune the musicians.  Traditionally, patrons applaud to greet the concertmaster and again a few moments later to greet the Conductor and/or soloists.  Once the concert begins you’ll notice in your program book that many musical works have three or four movements or sections.  A short pause often follows each movement.  It is customary to refrain from applauding during these pauses.  After the final movement of the work, applaud to your hearts content.  If you still aren’t certain when to applaud, a good signal is when the conductor either turns around or steps off the podium (conductor’s platform).

May I take pictures?
The use of still, video and digital cameras or audio recording equipment is strictly prohibited at all times.

How long is a typical performance?
Most performances are about two hours, including one twenty-minute intermission.

Late Seating Policy?
Late seating will occur after the first movement of the first piece, during the first pause in music of the concert.

How can I learn about the music before the concert?
You can attend the free Pre-Concert Lecture which takes place in the theater one hour before the concert starts.  Program notes will also be provided in the program book you receive from an usher upon entering the hall and are available in advance on this website.  Descriptions of many pieces of music, along with audio samples, are also available online, or by visiting your local public library.  Also check this web-site for advance program notes.

How can I purchase tickets?
Single Tickets, click here.
Season Tickets, click here.

Theater Locations?
Community Center Theater, Sacramento
Mondavi Center, Davis
Guild Theater, Sacramento
Temple Or Rishon, Orangevale
Magic Circle's Roseville Theatre, Roseville