FAQs

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
Attending a classical symphonic concert is less enigmatic than some 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 other concerns not addressed here, please call 415.479.8100 or email us: greatmusic@marinsymphony.org
 
 

How do I purchase tickets?

  • Subscription tickets are available through the Marin Symphony Administrative Office and online. Get best seat availability, waive box office fees, and avoid will call lines by subscribing! Subscribers can save nearly 20 percent over single ticket buyers. If you need assistance with the online process, call the Marin Symphony Administrative Office at 415.479.8100.
  • Single tickets can be purchased directly from the Marin Center Box Office, and go on sale in late summer. Single tickets may be purchased an hour prior to curtain, subject to availability.
  • Group tickets and discounts are available for groups of 10 or more if purchased at the same time. Half-price student and teacher discounts are available with valid ID. These discounts are available for both subscriptions and single tickets. Order group single tickets through the Marin Center Box Office, and group subscriptions through the Marin Symphony Administrative Office at 415.479.8100. Student and teacher discount purchases must be made in person.
  • How do I purchase a gift certificate?
    Share the joy! Gift certificates are available through the Marin Symphony Administrative Office.
  • Are rush tickets available?
    Rush tickets do become available on occasion and are announced on our site and through email at least a few days prior to the concert.
  • What if I lost my ticket?
    Don’t fret! Subscribers simply contact the Marin Symphony Administrative Office at 415.479.8100 and it will be replaced free of charge. Single ticket buyers contact the Marin Center Box Office at boxoffice@marincounty.org and a service fee may apply.

What if I use a wheelchair or need assistance hearing?
Patrons requiring wheelchair seating, a headset for our hearing system, or other special needs may make arrangements with the Marin Center Box Office, boxoffice@marincounty.org, or may make contact with an usher pre-concert the day of the show.

Can children attend the concerts?
We highly encourage family time and introducing children to new musical experiences. Our Fall Pops, Holiday Pops, and Family Concert are ideal concerts for such exposure for such. We suggest ages six and up, and as appropriate for the youngster’s attention span. We do maintain a policy of no babes in arms and each patron, regardless of age, must be ticketed.

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 the Marin Symphony Administrative Office at 415.479.8100 and we’ll help arrange the exchange.

All 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, mail or deliver your tickets to the Box Office, so they may be resold. TICKETS MUST BE RECEIVED 24 HOURS PRIOR TO THE SCHEDULED PERFORMANCE. The Marin Symphony will then send you a letter acknowledging your tax deduction.

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. Saturday evenings they wear tuxedos and formal wear, and Sunday matinees they wear suits and dresses. Respectively, patrons tend to dress more formally for the evening concerts, and cocktail casual for the afternoon concerts.

When should I arrive?
You are encouraged to arrive in the hall an hour before the concert to hear the Pre-concert Talk (FREE to all ticket holders!)
Doors open 75 minutes prior to curtain. We suggest you arrive at least 30 minutes before the concert, to allow time to park, find your seat, read the program, and watch the musicians as they take the stage. Allow even more time and enjoy a beverage or treat from the Redwood Foyer bar! Marin Symphony concerts begin promptly at 7:30pm on Saturdays and 3:00pm on Sundays. If you arrive after the scheduled concert start time, you might not be allowed in. We can’t guarantee entry to latecomers, but we’ll offer it wherever possible.

How long are concerts?
Concerts are typically two hours long, including one 20-minute intermission. If you must leave before the concert ends, please do so between program works.

When do I clap?
There are two cues to clap 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, in appreciation. Symphonies have four movements and concertos have three movements.

If you are unsure when to applaud, you know a work is complete when the conductor turns around and smiles at the audience. You may yell “bravo!” (for men), “brava!” (for women), and “bravi!” (for the whole orchestra). Keep the applause going for as long as you want to show the musicians, conductor, and soloist how much you enjoyed their performance.

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 (some people are allergic and a light touch is always appreciated).
2. Please do not unwrap candies, cough drops, etc. during the concert (unwrap them before the 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.

Thank you, and enjoy the performance!