Listening to live music can be an amazing experience, and an orchestra is no different. Contrary to popular belief, no specialized knowledge is required on the part of the listener to enter the hall. (We swear we won't check your credentials.) Well played live music can fill you with emotion. Depending on the pieces played, you may feel joyous, nostalgic, sad, energized, contemplative or even romantic. It can be a lot of fun to watch musicians create music, bringing their own feelings into a piece and making it leap off the stage, impacting the mood of audience.
Some people think that classical concerts are stuffy events. We can't speak for other orchestras, but at the Chicago Sinfonietta we want you to relax and come as you are. However, like anything else, there are a few things to keep in mind, designed to make everyone’s concert experience more enjoyable. Below are some Frequently Asked Questions that may answer your questions about attending a Chicago Sinfonietta event.
Ticket Exchange Policy
We understand that plans change and offer ticket exchanges for our patrons. If you cannot attend a performance, you may exchange tickets up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled event. You may exchange tickets in person or by phone for another performance within the same season; if there are no upcoming performances, we will issue a credit to your account.
Please note, all exchange requests are subject to availability, as many concerts sell out in advance. We will place you on a Wait List, at your request.
You may also donate your tickets back to the Chicago Sinfonietta and receive a tax donation receipt for the value you paid. You may donate tickets in person, via email or by phone. You must request the donation receipt at least 48 hours in advance, prior to the missed event in order to receive this benefit.
Refund Policy
The Chicago Sinfonietta does not offer refunds. You may exchange* your tickets for another concert or turn them in and receive a tax letter for your charitable donation credit for the value of the ticket purchase price. Please contact us at least 48 hours prior to the concert to receive a tax letter.
*Exchanges based on availability. Requests must be made at least 48 hours in advance of the concert.
If an in-person concert is cancelled, there are several options for your ticket. You may choose to receive an account credit to be used for the next concert, make a tax-deductible donation of the ticket cost to Chicago Sinfonietta, or a refund issued via the original payment method.
Believe it or not, people do not wear tuxedos and fancy gowns to Classical concerts. Some people do like to dress up a little, usually in business attire. Casual clothes are fine, too. We want you to be comfortable. Wear whatever you think is appropriate for a festive occasion. Most importantly – have fun!
How long a concert lasts depends on the music that is being played. In general, though, you can expect a Sinfonietta concert to last about two hours, including a 20 minute intermission.
We want kids to be exposed to the joy of classical music, so children 6 years of age and older are welcome to attend our concerts when accompanied by an adult. In fact, we have child tickets for only $10 to make this affordable. Please remember, though, that many attendees will not have children with them. 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 6 to a concert, as it is unreasonable to expect them to stay quiet for an extended period.
Our new Pay-What-You-Can program allows any person to purchase sliding-scale tickets starting at $5. These tickets go live on our website two weeks prior to each concert. We hope you will join us and bring a friend!
Of course, things happen! However, 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 interfere with other patron’s listening experience. We highly suggest arriving early so that you can get settled into your seat, read through the program book, and be ready to listen to the music.
You may recognize more than you expect. A lot of television shows, cartoons, commercials, and movies use Classical music in their themes or as background music. Newer compositions often borrow motifs from jazz and pop. We think, though, that it is a better idea to set all of that aside and simply let the music surprise and delight you in ways that you weren't expecting. Trust us. It will.
