Q: Pay What You Can (PWYC) Program

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. At this time, no PWYC tickets are available for Open Heart: MLK Tribute . If you would like to be considered for a future release of Open Heart: MLK Tribute PWYC tickets, please contact our Box Office.

Question 1

How to use my Bring a Friend subscriber perk?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Pay What You Can (PWYC) Program

Accepted Answer

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.

At this time, no PWYC tickets are available for Open Heart: MLK Tribute. If you would like to be considered for a future release of Open Heart: MLK Tribute PWYC tickets, please contact our Box Office.

Question 3

How long will the concert last?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

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 jeans and a sweater. Wear what feels right for you—we want you to enjoy the music without worrying about what you’re wearing. One note: we encourage guests to avoid strong fragrances, as many audience members have sensitivities.

Question 5

Can I bring my kids?

Accepted Answer

We want kids to be exposed to the joy of music, so children 6 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 if they become restless. We recommend starting younger children out on the first half of a concert and seeing how they do. We have coloring activities in the lobby for itchy fingers!

Question 6

What if I’m late?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Will I recognize any of the music?

Accepted Answer

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.

Date	Time	Venue
Sunday, January 18, 2026	4:00 PM	Wentz Concert Hall – Naperville, IL	Get tickets
Monday, January 19, 2026	4:00 PM	The Auditorium – Chicago, IL	Get tickets

Kathryn Bostic	Suite from The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat WORLD PREMIERE
Joel Thompson	breathe/burn: an elegy Chicago Sinfonietta 2020 COMMISSION
Antonín Dvořák	Symphony No. 9 “From the New World”

Open Heart

Where sparks of courage meet fires of change

Overview

TAKE THE JOURNEY. get your tickets today.

Schedule

Program

Related Events

Still I Rise

march 6 & 7

American Rhapsody

May 8 & 10

Bollywood & Beyond

October 17 & 18

Frequently asked questions

MAESTRA MEI-ANN CHEN

Support from