Welcome to Chicago Sinfonietta!
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of live music—especially when it’s performed by a full orchestra. You don’t need any prior knowledge or special training to enjoy the experience; just bring your curiosity and an open heart. Music has the power to spark every emotion—joy, nostalgia, contemplation, excitement, even romance—and part of the fun is watching our musicians bring those emotions to life right before your eyes.
Some people imagine classical concerts as formal or intimidating. At the Chicago Sinfonietta, it’s just the opposite. We invite you to come as you are, relax, and share in a space that’s welcoming to everyone.
Accessibility is an important part of that welcome. All of our venues are fully ADA compliant, ensuring the same great experience for all patrons. Wheelchair-accessible seating is available at every performance, with companion seats located directly beside.
To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve gathered answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below—covering everything from what to expect when you arrive to tips that ensure every patron has a comfortable, enjoyable concert experience.
We look forward to seeing you at our 2025/26 Ignite season concerts!
Everyone needs a ticket – regardless of age. This includes babies in laps, per our venue contracts.
No photos or videos during performances; please silence devices before the concert begins.
Tickets are non-refundable except if the show is canceled, or for serious illness/death with documentation. See Refund Policies for Subscribers and Single Ticket Holders, below.
Ticket Exchanges – Subscribers may switch dates for free; single ticket buyers pay $5 per ticket. All exchanges must be made at least 48 hours before the performance. Please contact our Box Office.
Subscriber perks – Free exchanges plus one Bring a Friend ticket for each concert in your package (for new guests only), plus save 30-40% off single ticket prices, receive 25% off any additional single ticket orders, receive program notes two weeks early, and special invitations to CS receptions and fundraisers.
We may change event details (like cast, program, or seating) without notice, but we’ll communicate major updates by email and on our website.
Only buy from authorized sellers (Chicago Sinfonietta or partner venues) to guarantee your ticket is valid.
Arrive on time – late seating happens between selections and at intermission.
Lost tickets can be reissued—contact our Box Office via phone or email.
Inside the concert hall– Photography and video is prohibited inside the venue to ensure the performance is not disrupted.
Outside the concert hall– We encourage you to take advantage of the views from our venues. We love seeing your photos on social media! Please tag @chi_sinfonietta and #chicagosinfonietta.
We may photograph or video an event including the audience at an event. The ticket–holder consents to the use of their image or likeness incidental in any video, photograph, transmission or recording of the Chicago Sinfonietta event for use in any format or media (currently existing or to be developed in the future), including but not limited to publication, print, TV, electronic, internet and social media.
To avoid disturbing the musicians and audience, please switch off all electronic devices during the performance. Please be aware that glow and vibration from your phone also causes a disturbance.
We may photograph or video an event including the audience at an event. The ticket–holder consents to the use of their image or likeness incidental in any video, photograph, transmission or recording of the Chicago Sinfonietta event for use in any format or media (currently existing or to be developed in the future), including but not limited to publication, print, TV, electronic, internet and social media.
If you do not wish to be photographed, please notify the Box Office PRIOR to the event state time.
Application of the Terms and Conditions
The sale of tickets for an Event and attendance at an Event are subject to these Terms and Conditions of Chicago Sinfonietta (Chicago Sinfonietta). These terms apply to both the original purchaser/ticket–holder and any subsequent ticket–holder, and you agree to those terms by acquiring an Event ticket and/or seeking to attend an Event. By purchasing a ticket on behalf of someone else, you undertake to inform them of those terms.
‘Chicago Sinfonietta’, ‘CS’, ‘the company’, ‘we’, ‘our’ and ‘us’ means Chicago Sinfonietta.
‘You’ means the person seeking to purchase or acquire a ticket to an Event, the person holding a ticket to an Event and the person seeking to attend an Event.
‘Event’ means a performance or other show or performance arranged or presented by us or for which we sell tickets.
‘Authorized ticket seller’ means us or a person authorized by us to supply tickets to an Event.
‘Venue’ means one of Chicago Sinfonietta’s partner theaters or any venue where Chicago sinfonietta is performing.
These Terms and Conditions also apply to tickets issued by other authorized ticket sellers (if any). Tickets and attendance may also be subject to the Venue’s terms and conditions. To the extent of any inconsistency, these Terms and Conditions and any additional terms and conditions notified by us at the time of sale will prevail over the terms and conditions of the authorized ticket seller and other venue.
Terms and Conditions are detailed below in various ticket, exchange, refund, and lost ticket FAQs for your convenience.
Tickets purchased through Chicago Sinfonietta are a revocable license that may be revoked and admission may be refused upon refunding of the purchase price.
Prices listed are displayed in US dollars and may be subject to sales tax and/or service fees on top of the listed price.
Each person must have a ticket regardless of age. No entry to the venue will be granted without a ticket.
We may impose a maximum ticket limit. Unless otherwise specified, the maximum number specified applies to the season overall of an Event, not to each performance of an Event. We may refuse to accept orders which exceed the maximum ticket limit. Tickets purchased in excess of a ticket limit may be canceled without notice.
The price of single tickets may differ from a ticket purchased as part of a subscription.
We may require you to collect tickets at the Venue / Will Call.
Subscription tickets are mailed to the purchaser / Subscriber before the Season commences, in or around the month of September.
If you are unable to attend a performance, you can exchange your ticket for another date of the same concert, or another concert in the current season. Exchanges can be made up to 48 hours before the original scheduled performance by end of the business day. Please notify us as soon as possible in order that we may find you the best exchange and seating options.
Ticket prices listed on our website and in our advertising are inclusive of required fees.
Service Fee ($7 per ticket): Helps cover the cost of running our box office, ticketing software licensing, and essential infrastructure. This fee is applied to all ticket purchases and is already included in the ticket prices you see.
Additional fees that may apply depending on your order:
–Mail/Will Call Fee ($5 per order): Covers ticket printing, postage, and processing. Avoid this fee by selecting digital tickets.
–Exchange Fee ($5 per ticket): Applies to non-subscribers and non-members requesting an exchange and helps cover the staffing costs required to assist with these requests.
We are committed to keeping ticketing fair, transparent, and accessible. If you have any questions about fees or pricing, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
If you are unable to attend a performance, you can exchange your ticket for another date of the same concert, or another concert in our current season. Exchanges can be made up to 48 hours before the original scheduled performance by end of the business day. Please notify us as soon as possible in order that we may find you the best exchange and seating options.
Subscribers may exchange tickets for another performance free of charge. Click here for details.
Single ticket holders may exchange tickets for a $5 per ticket service fee.
To exchange your ticket, please submit your request by:
Email Boxoffice@chicagosinfonietta.org
Call us at 312-284-1554
Monday-Friday: 12pm-5pm
Saturday/Sunday/Holidays: CLOSED
Some conditions apply:
Tickets for any performances are interchangeable within the same season. Subscribers can exchange into any other performance date, at any theater.
Exchange requests must be received at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled performance or 48 hours prior to the new performance – whichever comes first.
Exchanges are not permitted after the performance date has passed.
If seats in the same price category are not available, a difference in ticket price may apply if the available seats are in a more expensive section of the auditorium. There are no refunds for the difference in ticket price.
If you have lost your tickets, please contact Patron Services. In most cases, lost tickets can be replaced with a Lost Ticket Voucher. We will ask you to confirm the basic details of the booking to do this. Please contact us as soon as you realize you have mislaid your ticket/s.
At the venue– You may also visit Chicago Sinfonietta Patron Services at Will Call. With valid ID and/or Order Confirmation number, we can issue you a Lost Ticket Voucher.
Subscribers enjoy unlimited no-fee exchanges (value: $5 savings per ticket). If your plans change, you can exchange into another date for the same concert, or another concert. This is one of the most popular subscriber benefits.
If you are unable to attend a performance, you can:
-Exchange into another performance Tickets must be exchanged 48 hours prior to your performance.
-Give your tickets to a friend
-Donate the value of your tickets to Chicago Sinfonietta. Donations support our mission, musicians, education and community outreach programs, and much more.
Ticket donations are tax-deductible.
Tickets must be donated at at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled performance.
Single tickets are non–refundable. If you are unable to attend a performance, you can:
-Exchange into another performance ($5 ticket/exchange fee applies). Exchanges must be made 48 hours prior to your schedule performance.
-Give your tickets to a friend
-Donate the value of your tickets to Chicago Sinfonietta. Donations support our mission, musicians, education and community outreach programs, and much more.
Ticket donations are tax-deductible. Tickets must be donated at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled performance.
Refunds are issued only if an event is canceled (and not rescheduled to be performed at another time), with the following exceptions:
-Serious and/or severe illness which will prevent the ticket holder from attending the performance he/she has tickets for. -Tickets must be returned prior to the scheduled performance(s) with a written request for a refund.
-Death of the ticket–holder. Please return the ticket/s prior to the scheduled performance(s) with a written request for a refund from the estate or executor of the estate.
Refunds are issued in the following manner:
-Cash and check purchases are refunded by check. Check payments are made payable to the signator on the check used to purchase the ticket(s) or refunded to the primary account name for cash transactions.
-All credit card purchases are refunded to the same credit card that used to purchase the tickets. In the event that the credit card is not active at the time the refund is processed by the Chicago Sinfonietta, the customer must contact the bank that issued the credit card to make payment arrangements.
-Refund processing may take up to 4 weeks from the date of your request. Our Patron Services team will confirm with you when your refund is processed.
-Service fees are non-refundable. Service fees help Chicago Sinfonietta provide and maintain services for patrons including administrative costs, information technology, and the processing fees for credit card payments.
You must hold a valid ticket to attend an Event. Tickets are only valid for the event and seats stated on the ticket. This ticket is a revocable license.
Chicago Sinfonietta and our Venue/s reserve the right to refuse admission or eject any person whose conduct is deemed to be disorderly, illegal or fails to comply with the rules of Chicago Sinfonietta / the Venue, including but not limited to:
-You cannot produce a valid ticket for the Event.
-You produce a ticket that has been handled or dealt with in a way that is contrary to these Terms and Conditions or any -additional terms and conditions of Chicago Sinfonietta or the Venue.
-You cannot produce proof of your concession entitlement where a concession ticket has been purchased.
-You have in your possession and/or refuse to surrender to the Venue staff any prohibited object or article.
-You refuse to be subject to mandatory security screening and bag checks.
-You behave in a manner which causes or may cause property damage or that threatens or may threaten the safety of performers, other audience members or any other persons.
-You behave in a manner that unreasonably interferes with other audience members’ enjoyment of the Event.
-You otherwise breach these Terms and Conditions or any additional Terms and Conditions of Chicago Sinfonietta or the Venue, or fail to follow the reasonable directions of the Venue staff.
-You refuse to remain in the area or seat designated on your ticket.
While we endeavor to keep ticket–holders informed, Event details may change sometimes with little or no notice. For example, artists or other participants may be added, withdrawn or substituted.
We may vary seating arrangements. Despite any seat number on your ticket, we do not guarantee you any particular seat. If we need to allocate a different seat to you for operational reasons, including a change of venue, we will use reasonable endeavors to ensure it is in a location of comparable value to the seat number on your ticket.
At times, during the course of selling tickets to an Event, we may alter the price of tickets on sale. Such alterations do not affect the terms and conditions applying to tickets purchased before the price change and do not entitle you to claim a refund on your ticket price or the difference between your ticket price and the newly adjusted ticket price.
At times, during the course of selling tickets to an Event, we may release additional seats or additional dates for presentation of the Event. Such alterations do not affect the terms and conditions applying to tickets purchased before the release of additional seats or dates and do not entitle you to claim a refund for tickets purchased prior to the release of additional seats or dates.
In the event of cancelation and major changes to an Event, Chicago sinfonietta will communicate the ticket–holder’s options by email to the person who purchased the tickets and on our website chicagosinfonietta.org.
If the ticket–holder is not opted in to receive email or other communications from Chicago Sinfonietta, or is not the person that purchased the tickets, it is the ticket–holder’s responsibility to contact Chicago Sinfonietta Patron Services to be advised of changes or options.
Chicago Sinfonietta and our partner Venues are the authorized ticket seller for Events, unless otherwise specified on our website for specific Events.
Pursuant to Ticket Sale and Resale Act ( 815 ILCS 414), Illinois Statutes, this ticket may not be resold for more than face value.
If you purchase tickets from an unauthorized seller you risk that these tickets are fake, void or have previously been canceled and that you may be refused admission to the relevant Event.
We strongly recommend you only purchase tickets from an authorized ticket seller. You can contact our Patron Services team to confirm if a ticket seller is authorized.
Tickets may not be used for advertising, promotion, contests, giveaways, charitable raffles/auctions, sweepstakes or other purposes without the express written consent of Chicago Sinfonietta.
If an Event ticket is advertised in breach of these conditions, we may cancel the ticket without a refund and the bearer of the ticket may be refused admission.
There’s no dress code at Chicago Sinfonietta. Some guests enjoy dressing up in business or business casual attire, while others are most comfortable in nice jeans and a sweater. Select what feels right for you—we want you to enjoy the music without worrying about what you’re wearing. One request: we encourage guests to avoid strong fragrances, as many audience members have sensitivities.
Chicago Sinfonietta may offer discounts and special promotions to our subscribers and other ticket-buyers. To access promotional discount tickets, you will need to specify the promo code given to you when purchasing tickets at chicagosinfonietta.org or through Patron Services on 312-284-1554. Subscribers receive a unique code for 25% off additional single ticket purchases.
A ticket limit may apply to any purchase the limit can be found in the promotional offer. There is a global ticket limit of 8 tickets per household unless otherwise advised.
Discounted tickets are subject to availability, and may vary by seating section, performance and venue. Some performances may not have discounted tickets available. Offers are available through the specified date range and are subject to change at Chicago Sinfonietta’s discretion. Standard service fees may apply. Discounts are not valid on prior purchases. No refunds can be given, unless otherwise specified. Terms and conditions specific to each offer will be published in the email about that offer, and available through our Patron Services team.
For group ticket bookings of 9 or more, please contact Chicago Sinfonietta Patron Services at 312-284-1554 or email our Box Office at BoxOffice@ChicagoSinfonietta.org.
Chicago Sinfonietta’s Pay What You Can (PWYC) program is a groundbreaking initiative designed to make world-class music accessible to everyone in our community. Since its launch, it has inspired performing arts organizations around the globe to reimagine how we create space for all to belong.
PWYC is not a discount ticket program—it’s a mission-driven effort to remove barriers and extend a warm welcome to those who may not typically have the means to attend a professional concert.
This program is intended for:
-Individuals and families experiencing financial hardship
-Patrons who utilize government assistance programs
-Residents from underserved communities
If this sounds like you or someone you know, we invite you to contact our Box Office to learn more and reserve seats.
A limited number of PWYC tickets are available for select performances, and Best Available seats are not included in the program. ADA-accessible seating is available—please let us know your needs when you reach out.
Box Office: (312) 284-1554
Email: BoxOffice@ChicagoSinfonietta.org
Looking for a great deal but don’t qualify for PWYC? Our season subscriptions offer the best prices and guaranteed access to the concerts you love—and help us keep programs like PWYC going strong.
As a Chicago Sinfonietta subscriber, you get to share world-class concerts with your favorite people. For every concert in your subscription, you’ll receive a Bring a Friend ticket so you can introduce someone new to the Chicago Sinfonietta experience.
How it works:
One ticket per concert in your subscription package. If you have a 3-concert subscription, you’ll get 3 Bring a Friend tickets—one for each performance you attend.
Bring someone new each time. This perk is meant to introduce fresh faces to the Sinfonietta, so the same guest can’t use the offer more than once per season.
Reserve your guest ticket through the Box Office before the concert. We’ll need your guest’s name and contact information so we can welcome them properly.
Seating is subject to availability, but we’ll do our best to place your friend near you.
Bring a Friend tickets can’t be sold, transferred, or combined with other offers—but they do come with our deepest thanks for helping us grow the Sinfonietta family.
Eligibility – The Bring a Friend ticket offer is available exclusively to current Chicago Sinfonietta subscribers.
Number of Tickets – Each subscriber will receive one (1) Bring a Friend ticket for each concert in their subscription package for the 2025–2026 season. For example, a 3-concert subscriber will receive three (3) Bring a Friend tickets.
New Guests Only – Bring a Friend tickets are valid for new guests only. The same guest may not use a Bring a Friend ticket more than once per season.
Redemption Process – Bring a Friend tickets must be reserved through the Chicago Sinfonietta Box Office. The subscriber must provide the guest’s full name and contact information at the time of redemption.
Seating – Seating for Bring a Friend tickets is subject to availability and will be assigned at the discretion of the Box Office.
Non-Transferable – Bring a Friend tickets may not be resold, transferred, or exchanged for another performance.
Limited-Time Offer – This offer is valid for the 2025-26 subscription season only and may not be renewed in future seasons.
General Restrictions – Offer may not be combined with other discounts or promotions. Bring a Friend tickets have no cash value.
Venue Requirements
To help ensure the safety and security of Events, your person, bags and personal belongings may be subject to a search at the discretion of the Venue.
You must allow adequate time for collection of tickets on arrival at the venue and provide adequate proof of ticket purchase, if requested. We do not accept responsibility for any delays that may be encountered at the Box Office/Will Call prior to an event.
Auditorium doors open approximately one hour prior to the scheduled performance time, at the discretion of the venue.
You are responsible for your personal possessions such as bags, mobile phones and other items you carry with you.
Typically, food and drink are not allowed inside an auditorium or other performance space, unless otherwise specified.
Other items that are prohibited inside an auditorium or other performance space include but are not limited to food and beverages purchased outside the venue, glass bottles, offensive signs or clothing, laser pointers and any other items that could present a safety hazard to others or interfere with the performance.
The use of phones, photographic, audio or video recording equipment is prohibited. To avoid disturbing the dancers and audience, please switch off all electronic devices during the performance. Please be aware that glow and vibration from your phone also causes a disturbance.
Ticket–holders enter Events / Venues at their own risk. Ticket–holders assume all liability, risk of loss, personal injury and damages incidental to the event and agrees to indemnify and hold Chicago Sinfonietta, the Venue, the County and their respective agents, employees, officers, directors and successors harmless from any liability arising from the ticket holder’s acts or omissions.
You should make your own further inquiries before deciding whether an Event is suitable.
Most Chicago Sinfonietta concerts last about two hours, including a 20-minute intermission. Programs often feature an overture or shorter selections in the first half, with a larger work—such as a symphony or a concerto with soloist—after intermission. When you purchase a single ticket or subscription, we will share timely “Know Before You Go” eblast messages regarding start and end times, where to park, and other concert tips to ensure a great experience.
About 48 hours before your performance, we email a pre–performance reminder to ticket–holders that contain useful information. To receive this and other Chicago Sinfonietta communications, ensure you provide your email address when ordering your tickets and that you are opted in to receive communications from Chicago Sinfonietta. Contact Patron Services with any questions at BoxOffice@ChicagoSinfonietta.org.
Children 8 years of age and older are welcome to attend our concerts when accompanied by an adult. As a responsible parent or guardian, we know that you will monitor their behavior and we trust that you will exit the hall with them if they become restless. It is not advisable to bring children under the age of 8 to a concert, as it is unreasonable to expect them to stay quiet for an extended period. You are encouraged to visit our Activity Table for a coloring book and crayons!
Yes! Contact our Box Office for $20 student tickets at boxoffice @ chicagosinfonietta.org.
Of course, things happen! Patrons who arrive late will not be let into the concert hall until after the conclusion of the first piece on the program. This is so that your entrance won’t impact other patron’s listening experience. We highly suggest arriving early so that you can get settled into your seat, read through the program book, visit the restrooms or concessions, and be ready to listen to the music.
Probably more than you think! Symphonic music appears everywhere—from film scores to TV shows, commercials, and even cartoons. And our programs often weave in influences from jazz, pop, and other genres. You may find yourself surprised by just how familiar orchestral music can feel.
A good rule of thumb is to clap at the end of an entire piece, rather than between movements of a larger work like a concerto or symphony. If you’re unsure, follow the conductor’s cue or the rest of the audience. Once the conductor drops their arms to their sides after all movements have been played, they will turn to face the audience to receive applause. If you do clap in between movements, we know that the music was especially moving. In Mozart’s era, audiences would often clap during movements or call for encores after a favorite work finished. Time’s have changed, but we still love our enthusiastic audience reactions!
We value your feedback! You can provide your comments by contacting our Patron Services team via our Box Office staff at:
Chicago Sinfonietta
Patron Services
70 E Lake St #1430, Chicago, IL 60601
Monday – Friday | 12pm – 5pm
Saturday – Sunday | Closed
Call 312-284-1554
Email Boxoffice@chicagosinfonietta.org