Answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
Attending a classical symphonic concert is less intimidating than some people may think, and our Marin Symphony is accessible to all! There are simple protocols for attending concerts that help everyone enjoy and appreciate the music performed on stage. Provided here are answers to the questions most often asked. If you have further concerns, please call 415.479.8100 or email us: greatmusic@marinsymphony.org
How do I purchase tickets?
All tickets can be purchased through the Marin Symphony Administrative Office and by calling 415.479.8100 or online:
Single Tickets and Subscriptions (3+ concerts) Note that our ticket vendor is called ShowClix, and you will receive email communications from them. To manage your tickets and account information directly through ShowClix, visit this link. For your protection, don’t purchase through other vendors.
- Subscription tickets get you the best availability, waived extra fees, and no box office lines! They can be purchased online here, by phone, or in person. If you need assistance with the online process, call us.
- Single tickets, in addition to being purchased online here, by phone, or in person, can be purchased from our on-site box office an hour prior to curtain, subject to availability. They typically go on sale starting late summer.
- Group tickets and discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. Half-price student and teacher discounts are available with valid ID (purchases must be made in person at the office or on-site box office). Discounts are available for both subscriptions and single tickets. Order tickets through our office or call us.
- How do I purchase a gift certificate?
Share the joy! Gift certificates are available by visiting or calling our office, or you can purchase a Gift Certificate online. - Are rush tickets available?
Rush tickets become available on occasion and are announced through email blasts and on our website at least a few days prior to the concert. - I am a subscriber and cannot attend on my regular night. Can I exchange my tickets for another performance?
Yes! Subscribers may easily exchange symphony tickets for the alternate day performance or a different season performance. Contact our office and we’ll help arrange the exchange. - What if I lost my ticket?
Don’t fret! If you’ve purchased tickets in advance and misplaced or lost them, your order will be recorded in our database. Contact us and we can email them or have them at will call free of charge. If you need them re-mailed, a small service fee may apply. You may also check in with the on-site box office on the day of the concert. - Please note: Tickets are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend a concert at all and would like to donate your tickets as a tax deduction, return your tickets to be resold, as soon as you know of the conflict. We request tickets returned at least 24 hours prior to the performance. You may request a letter from Marin Symphony acknowledging your tax deduction.
What if I use a wheelchair or walker?
Patrons requiring limited mobility seating or other special needs should notify Marin Symphony Administrative Office, and we can reserve accessible seating for you and your companion. Ushers on the day of the show can help you to your seat, and keep your walker nearby.
Our venues provide handicapped parking, and we add signs to even more spaces for patron convenience. There are also drop off locations, and an attendant to help guide you. See more information about our venues here.
Can children attend the concerts?
We encourage family time and introducing children to new musical experiences! Marin Symphony Youth Concerts and the annual spring Sit-Along concert are great (and Free!) opportunities to immerse kids in classical music, and to be inspired by older kids in the orchestras.
For the regular season series, we strongly suggest ages six and up, as appropriate for youngsters’ attention span. Pops, Holiday, and Family Concerts, when available, are ideal concerts for cultivating new classical enthusiasts. We maintain a policy of no babes in arms, and each patron regardless of age must be ticketed.
What should I wear?
Attending a Marin Symphony concert is a special occasion, and patrons generally enjoy the opportunity to dress up, though it is not mandatory. Tradition dictates that musicians and conductors wear formal black evening wear to heighten your symphonic experience with unified appearance to limit visual distraction. For evening concerts, they wear tuxedos and formal wear, and matinees they wear suits and dresses. Respectively, patrons tend to dress more formally for evening concerts, and cocktail casual for afternoon concerts.
What is concert etiquette?
Concert etiquette may be summarized by these simple guidelines. Please remember that everyone attending is likely experiencing a special day or evening out.
1. Please keep fragrances minimal.
2. Please do not unwrap candies, cough drops, etc. during the concert (unwrap before concert and at intermission).
3. Please do not whisper, talk, hum, sing, or conduct with the music.
4. Please turn OFF all cell phones, pagers, watch alarms, or anything else that rings or beeps.
5. Please ensure that all electronic hearing aids and/or other health assistance devices are correctly and noiselessly adjusted.
6. In general, respect the concert experience of other members of the audience as you would like them to respect yours.
When should I arrive?
You are encouraged to arrive at the venue up to an hour before the concert in order to find parking, walk to the building, and select your seat.
Doors open 60 minutes prior to curtain. Marin Symphony concerts begin promptly at 7:30pm for evening concerts and 3:00pm for afternoon concerts (except Holiday Choral at 4PM). If you arrive after the scheduled concert start time, we can’t guarantee entry, but will offer it wherever possible and between movements.
How long are concerts?
Concerts are typically 90 minutes long, including one intermission. If you must leave before the concert ends, please do so between program works to not disrupt fellow patrons.
When do I applaud?
There are two cues for applause at a classical concert: when greeting the maestro and musicians as they take the stage, and as appreciation after the performance of a complete work. Audiences applaud the entrance of the concertmaster, conductor, and guest artist. It is not customary to applaud again until the end of all movements of a work of music. The conductor will cue you by turning around to face the audience. Typically, symphonies have four movements and concertos (featuring soloists) have three movements. Keep the applause going for as long as you want to show the musicians, conductor, and soloist how much you enjoyed their performance!