Ticketing

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about an upcoming Symphony performance? Check out our frequently asked questions below. You can also contact Patron Services at 804.788.1212 or patronservices@richmondsymphony.com.

Concerts

How long do most concerts last?

Our Masterworks and Pops concerts are usually 1.5 to 2 hours long with an intermission. The Metro concerts are usually 1.5 hours with an intermission. Our Atlantic Union Bank LolliPops, Music at Hardywood, and Summer ChamberFest concerts are about an hour and do not have an intermission.

When should I get there?

For our Masterworks and Metro concerts the lobbies open 1.5 hours early and our pre-concert talk begins 1 hour before the concert. For the Atlantic Union Bank LolliPops concerts, the lobbies open at 10am. For our Pops concerts, the lobbies open 1 hour early. For our Summer ChamberFest, the lobbies open at 5pm and seating begins at 5:30pm. Unless otherwise noted, seating for all concerts begins 30 minutes prior to the concert. We encourage you to arrive 30-40 minutes early.  For Music at Hardywood concerts, the building opens at 5pm and the performance space opens between 5-5:30pm.

What should I wear to an orchestra performance?

There is no dress code for our concerts, so please feel free to wear whatever makes you most comfortable. Most patrons dress in business casual for our Masterworks and Metro concerts and casually for our Music at Hardywood concerts. Attire varies for our Pops concerts, depending on the performance. For our LolliPops concerts, patrons dress casually or in costumes that correspond to the theme.

Is there a coat check?

There is a free coat check at the Conceirge desk for concerts at the Carpenter Theatre. Our other venues do not offer a coat check.

When do I applaud?

During our Masterworks and Metro concerts, it is customary to hold your applause until all movements are complete. However, if you feel the urge to applaud, please do so! During the Pops, Music at Hardywood, and Atlantic Union Bank LolliPops concerts, people applaud freely throughout!

Can I take pictures?

Please feel free to take a few pictures without a flash during the concert and share them with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. We just ask that you turn your screen brightness down and be mindful of your neighbors.

Can I take audio or video recordings?

Due to copyright laws, audio and video recording is strictly prohibited inside the concert hall.

How do I get there? Where should I park?

Visit our Plan Your Visit page for directions and parking information.

Where can I eat before or after the concert?

Visit our Plan Your Visit page for restaurant information.

Can I bring my children to concerts?

Yes! Child tickets are good for ages 3-18. Child tickets are free for most of our Masterworks concerts and can be attained through the normal ticketing process. Our Atlantic Union Bank LolliPops concerts are only an hour long and are a perfect introduction to the Symphony for children. Children 2 and under are welcome to attend our Atlantic Union Bank LolliPops concerts for free without a ticket.

Seating

What if I have accessible seating needs?

Accessible seating is available at all concerts. While accessible tickets are available online, we recommend calling Patron Services 804.788.1212 so we can ensure your seating needs are fulfilled.

What if I arrive late?

Concerts begin promptly at the scheduled time and latecomers will be seated at a natural break in the music, guided by ushers. If you must leave the hall during the performance, please do so quietly. Re-entry while the concert is in progress is at the discretion and guidance of the ushers.

Pricing

Are discounts available for college students?

Most of our concerts are discounted for college students. Prices start at $10.  College students can purchase tickets online!  Simply select the College Student price code.  When checking out, you will be required to select ‘Will Call’ as your delivery method.  When picking up your tickets, you will must show your valid student ID. ONE TICKET PER VALID STUDENT ID. Tickets to all of our concerts may also be purchased at the Altria Theater box offices in advance or at the concert venue, 1.5 hours prior to the concert.

Are group discounts available?

Yes! Visit our Group Sales page for more information.

What are the benefits of becoming a subscriber? How do I subscribe?

Subscribers save up to 15% off single ticket prices, receive first priority seating, and are allowed to exchange tickets. Visit our Subscriber Benefits page for more information. For pricing information or to purchase a subscription, visit our Season Subscriptions page or call Patron Services at 804.788.1212.

Ticketing

Subscription Tickets

Save up to 15% on tickets by purchasing a Subscription to a full series, or mix and match 3+ concerts for a Compose Your Own subscription and save 10%. Subscribers receive additional benefits such as the ability to exchange tickets and discounts at local merchants. Click here for more information on subscriptions.

How to Purchase Single Tickets

Click here to learn how to purchase single tickets.

Gift Certificates

Give the Gift of Music to a friend or family member. Gift certificates and gift subscriptions are available. Click here for more information.

Can I get a refund if I am unable to attend?

All ticket sales are final. Subscribers may exchange tickets for another  concert within the same season (some restrictions apply). Visit the Subscriber Benefits page for more information. Individual ticket-buyers may donate their tickets back to the Symphony prior to the concert to receive a donation receipt for their taxes. Call Patron Services at 804.788.1212 for more information.

How can I avoid paying ticketing fees?

Ticket fees are set and collected by ASM Global, the management company of the Carpenter Theatre, and eTix. To avoid fees, purchase your tickets by calling the Patron Services line at 804.788.1212 x2. Our business hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday.

Ticket fees online and by phone with etix are the same. Ticket fees are usually much lower for tickets purchased in person at the box office.

Subscribers do not pay ticket fees for their subscriptions tickets or any additional tickets they purchase. Subscriptions are available starting with as few as 3 concerts.  Click here or call 804.788.1212 for more information.

General Ticketing Information

Children:

  • Child tickets are for ages 3 to 18.
  • Child tickets are FREE to most of our Masterworks concerts (excludes Mezzanine seating) and can be attained through the normal ticketing process.
  • Children 2 and under are welcome to attend our Atlantic Union Bank LolliPops concerts free as a “babe in arms.” No ticket required.

Group Rates: Have a group of 8 or more? Click here for information on Group Rates.

Will Call: Will Call for the Richmond Symphony concerts opens 1.5 hours prior to the concert.

Questions

I still have questions?

Please feel free to contact Richmond Symphony Patron Services at 804.788.1212 x2 or patronservices@richmondsymphony.com. We are open 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday.