Frequently Asked Questions
This page gives information on The Order Process, Discounts and Special Provisions, The Concert Experience, and Learning About The Music. Information on the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall is available elsewhere.
The Order Process
Is your online order process safe?
Yes. Our secure server software encrypts all of your personal information including credit card number, name, and address, so that it cannot be read as the information travels over the Internet. The encryption process takes the characters you enter and converts them into bits of code that are securely transmitted over the Internet.
When your order reaches our office, it can be decrypted only by designated individuals in our Ticket Office.
How do you process my order?
Seating assignments for new subscribers are made on a date-received basis after renewing subscriber orders have been processed. Renewing subscribers are given priority for seating changes based on prior subscription and contribution history. All subscribers receive an order confirmation in the mail.
When will I receive my tickets?
Your tickets and other important subscriber information will be mailed to you at least two weeks before your first concert. If there is not enough time to mail your tickets before the start of the series, your tickets will be at the Customer Service Table in the Lobby of the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall one hour prior to your first concert.
Special Provisions and Discounts
What provisions are made for patrons with disabilities?
ADA seating and infrared listening devices are available for all concerts. Large print programs for Classical and Pops concerts can be obtained free of charge at the Customer Service Table in the concert hall lobby. Braille programs and signing interpretation may be available for concerts if requested at least four weeks in advance.
Are there discounts for seniors or students?
Yes. Senior citizens (age 70 and over) can subscribe to any classical or pops concert series at a discounted rate. The discounted rate is generally 10% and applies to all seating locations except Dress Circle, Lower Mezzanine and Front Center Left.
For Single Ticket Purchases discounts also apply:
Seniors: For all classical and pops series concerts, Seniors (age 62 and over) may purchase tickets at half price starting two hours before the concert at the Concert Hall Box Office in the lobby of Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. All seating sections are eligible for this discount except Dress Circle.
Students: $10.00 student tickets are available for all classical and pops series concerts. Tickets may be purchased starting the Monday before a concert weekend by visiting the Symphony Ticket Office at 921 SW Washington Street or starting 2 hours before each concert at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall Box Office in the lobby. Full-time and part-time students are eligible but a student ID card is required. Seating not eligible in Dress Circle. See more info, and a list of eligible concerts, on the Oregon Symphony's student-discount web page, OSoundcheck.org.
Call 503-228-1353 or 1-800-228-7343 for more information on these discount programs.
Are group discounts available?
Yes. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. See our information on group sales.
Oregon Symphony's Dinner Club
Oregon Symphony's Dinner Club coupons are given to subscribers with their subscriptions. Get discounts at many area restaurants.
The Concert Experience
How long are concerts?
Oregon Symphony Classical, Pops, and Special Concerts will end within two and a half hours, including intermission. Kids Concerts are one hour with no intermission.
What should I wear to the concert?
Wear what makes you feel most comfortable! According to a recent survey, 60% of men wear coat and tie and 40% wear shirts and slacks. Of the women surveyed, 60% wear dresses and 40% wear slacks.
Can I take a tour of the concert hall?
Yes. Guided tours of the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall are available. For more information, call 503-228-4294.
The Music
How can I learn more about the music?
In addition to providing informative program books free of charge at every concert, there are many ways for you to learn more about the music. Here are just a few:
- Broadcasts: Radio previews of each Oregon Symphony Classical Concert are broadcast on All Classical 89.9 fm, KBPS, Tuesdays at 6 p.m. one week before the concert. The two-hour program includes previews of the works in the upcoming concert and interviews with artists and other guests.
- Internet: Throughout this Web site you will find exciting
news and information about the Symphony along with biographies of the
artists and program notes.
- Symphony E-Mail: You can sign up for our free e-mail news services: Symphony in E-Mail newsletter, Ticket Alerts, and Ticket Concierge.
- At Classical concerts: Concert Conversations — Have you ever wondered what inspired Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 1, or how exactly a theme and variations works? Here’s your chance to find out. Join Music Director Carlos Kalmar and other local experts in the concert hall one hour before every classical series concert for lively presentations and discussions about the concert.