Guide to the Symphony

No preparation required. You can read about the music in your program book, or simply settle in and listen.

You might notice a melody moving from one section of the orchestra to another, watch the musicians respond to the conductor, or find yourself drawn to an instrument you’ve never paid much attention to before. You don’t have to catch everything. Let your curiosity lead.

Wear something you feel good in. You’ll see everything from jeans and T-shirts to dresses and jackets. If you’d like a starting point, think dinner with friends.
The musicians usually dress formally, but you don’t need to match them. If you wear a hat that could block someone’s view, please remove it during the performance.

Different seats offer different ways to experience the orchestra. Closer to the stage, you can watch the musicians’ expressions and movements. Farther back, you can take in more of the orchestra at once.

There’s no need to figure it out on your own. Call our Box Office at (301) 797-4000, and we’ll help you choose seats that fit your preferences and budget.

Most MSO concerts last about two hours, including one 20-minute intermission—a chance to stretch, visit the restroom, or pick up refreshments.

Concert lengths vary. Your program book lists the approximate length of each work so you can follow along.

You can arrive up to 30 minutes before the performance. Give yourself time to get settled, find your seat, and look through the program before the concert begins.

Running late? An usher will help you enter at an appropriate break in the music. You may need to wait briefly so everyone can enjoy the performance with minimal interruption.

You’ll usually hear applause when the concertmaster—the orchestra’s lead violinist—enters, followed by the conductor and any featured soloist.
During the concert, some works have several sections, called movements, with short pauses between them. Audiences usually save their applause until the entire work ends.

If you’re unsure, wait a moment and join in when the audience starts clapping. And if you clap a little early, don’t worry. We’re glad you’re enjoying the music.

Yes! The Maryland Theatre sells food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, at its concessions. Purchases may be brought into the auditorium and enjoyed during the concert.

Opening snack packaging before the music begins helps keep things quiet for the musicians and your neighbors.

Please silence your phone and other devices, including vibration and watch alerts, and keep screens dark during the music. Even a small screen can be distracting in a dim auditorium.

We’d love to see your night out! Take a photo before the performance or during intermission, and tag the Maryland Symphony Orchestra when you share it.

Photography and audio or video recording are not permitted during the performance. Please put cameras and phones away once the music begins.

You may see authorized MSO staff or professional photographers capturing the event. By attending, you acknowledge that you may appear in photographs or video taken in public areas.

We welcome families and recommend most concerts for children ages 5 and up. You know your child best: consider whether they’ll enjoy sitting and listening quietly for a concert that typically lasts about two hours, with an intermission. Some individual works can last an hour or longer.

If you’re unsure which concert would be a good fit, call our Box Office. We’re happy to talk through the options with you.

Yes! For classical concerts, children and students in grades K–12, along with currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate college students, are eligible for free student tickets in non-premium seating sections.

Contact our Box Office at (301) 797-4000 to reserve them. Discounted student tickets are also available in premium seating sections.
Free student tickets are available for classical concerts only.

Yes. Every attendee needs a ticket, regardless of age, including infants and toddlers.

Complimentary lap seating is not available for Home for the Holidays, Pops concerts, or licensed film-with-orchestra performances.