A traditional Symphony concert is approximately 2 hours long, including a twenty-minute intermission. Family and Choral Events tend to be a little shorter. We suggest that you plan to arrive 30 minutes early to have time to comfortably find your seats. Take the time to read the program notes in the CSO Season Program book you were handed as you entered. The notes are interesting and informative and you will learn a lot, not only about the music that is about to be performed, but also the music in future concerts. The notes will help to guide you in what to listen for and focus on during the concert. Listen for volume and tempo changes. Notice the melodies and rhythms. Your primary job is to allow yourself to be moved by the music. Classical music offers such variety that it affects people differently. Sit back, relax and let the music stir your passions, help you recall poignant memories, spur inner reflections, and impact your emotions. We are confident that your CSO experience will be filled with excitement, pathos, humor and joy. You will probably be surprised at how much of the music you recognize. Many people are unsure when to applaud. The rule of thumb is to hold applause until the end of the entire piece - not after each section or movement. This can lead to some confusion, since there are usually a few seconds of silence in between these movements. Watch the conductor’s arms. When they go completely down, it is a good indication that the piece is over.
The CSO has a latecomers policy that, in deference to those who do not wish to be disturbed while enjoying the concert, allows latecomers to be seated at an appropriate break in the music at the back of the theater. Latecomers can then move to their originally purchased seats after intermission.
Out of concern for all patrons, we encourage you to carefully consider the concert program and time when bringing children to a performance. Sometimes, these programs tend to be too long for children or past their bedtimes. However, children and their families will certainly enjoy many CSO special events like our outdoor Pops concerts, Halloween concert and Holiday Spectacular. Everyone, regardless of age, must have a ticket for admittance.
Above all, we want your evening out to be as fun and comfortable as possible. We have found that most concertgoers dress as they would if they were going out to dinner or church. Some patrons wear coats and ties or dresses; others business casual. Dress up or down, whichever is your preference. CSO also offers a New Casual Classics series that is specifically geared to be less formal. Even our maestro and musicians have shed their formal attire and have donned colorful casual duds for these concerts!
Taking photographs or recordings of any kind is a breach of copyright and is strictly prohibited at all Charleston Symphony Orchestra concerts.
Tickets for CSO concerts are available at the Gaillard Auditorium Box Office, located at 77 Calhoun Street in Downtown Charleston. Box office hours are Monday thru Friday, 10am to 6pm. Tickets are also sold at the venue on the evening of the performance. CSO tickets are also available thru Ticketmaster at 843-554-6060 or www.ticketmaster.com. Ticketmaster outlets are located in Publix supermarkets. (A convenience fee is charged when purchased thru Ticketmaster.)
Groups of 20 or more receive a 25% discount for most concerts. Call the CSO office at 723-7528 ext. 110 to purchase group tickets.
Look at the Symphony experience as a chance to take a break from your outside pressures. Please be sure to turn off your cell phone, pager or any other audible electronic devices before the concert begins.
We know that everyone has to cough every now and then. The CSO always provides cough drops, generously donated by our faithful patrons, Norman and Sharon Balderson, out in the lobby of the various concert venues. We suggest that you remove the wrappers before the performance begins. Of course, you are free to excuse yourself, should you find that your coughing is persistent.
All CSO venues have seating available for those patrons requiring wheelchair access or with other special needs. When possible, special access seating should be reserved in advance by calling the appropriate venue. If you have any questions about special access, feel free to call the CSO office at 723-7528 ext. 110.
Please refer to our parking page that has information about directions to our venues.
