Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for more information on the Symphony? Here's a list of frequently asked questions that we've compiled.
When is the Guest Services Center & Box Office open for ticket purchases?
Guest Services hours of operation are 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.
During all Dallas Symphony Orchestra concerts, DSO Guest Services will be open through intermission.
When should I arrive at the Meyerson Symphony Center?
It is best to arrive at least one hour before the scheduled performance begins. This leaves time for parking, picking up tickets, visiting the restroom and finding your seat. You will then also have time to experience pre-concert lobby events. (Click here to learn more about our Performance Preludes and other pre-concert events.)
How do I make dinner reservations at the Meyerson Symphony Center?
For reservations at Opus and Allegro restaurants located in the Meyerson Symphony Center, call 214-670-3721.
What happens if I arrive late?
In consideration of the comfort and listening pleasure of the audience, patrons who arrive after the concert begins will be asked to wait to be seated until an appropriate pause between pieces. Patrons may also hear and view the concert on flat screens located next to the box office.
What if I've lost my tickets?
Subscriber tickets will only be reprinted once if lost or misplaced and must be requested in person with valid identification at the Guest Services Center. Ticket reprints will only be provided to patrons whose name appears on the account.
What are Standby Tickets?
Standby tickets are not for a specific seat. We know that a number of people who hold tickets for a performance will not attend the concert, and their seats will be empty. A Standby ticket allows you to sit in these seats.
Standby Patrons will wait in the lower level lobby until escorted upstairs by the DSO Marketing Representative. At that time, they will be directed to available seats by the ushers. If the Standby Patron is seated and the ticket holder with a ticket for that seat wishes to claim it during the established late seating period or at intermission, the Standby Patron must relinquish the seat. The Standby Patron may take another available seat or may ask the usher for assistance in finding a seat. Should a patron holding a Standby ticket be unable to find a seat, the money paid for the Standby ticket will be refunded.
What if I need a wheelchair?
A limited number of wheelchairs are available to help disabled patrons to their seats. For more information, contact the usher staff in the main lobby for assistance.
May I bring my wireless phone or pager?
All electronic and mechanical devices, including pagers, cellular phones and wristwatch alarms, must be turned off before entering the hall. If you need to be reached in emergency, please advise an usher and you will be located. Beeping cell phones and pagers can spoil a concert. If at all possible, please leave these devices at home.
What about coughing noises?
Coughing can be an unavoidable problem, but there are ways to avoid coughing during the music. If you feel a cold coming on, please bring lozenges with you, or feel free to take complimentary cough drops located in the main lobby. Please unwrap the cough drop ahead of time. Unwrapping a cough drop during the music makes more noise than you might think. If there are no lozenges in hand and you need to cough once or twice, please try to wait for the end of the movement.
What about other noises?
It is customary not to talk while the music is playing. Being sensitive to your neighbors allows everyone to have a more pleasant concert experience.
May I take pictures at the Meyerson Symphony Center?
The taking of photographs or the recording of Dallas Symphony Orchestra concerts is strictly prohibited. Any cameras or recording devices must be checked at the security desk in the main lobby prior to entering the Concert Hall.
When should I clap?
Generally, it is considered proper concert etiquette to clap only after a piece is complete, and not after movements. You can look at your program book to find out how many movements a piece has. If all else fails, you can always wait for the rest of the audience to clap before applauding.
Does the Dallas Symphony have a minimum age attendance policy?
The Dallas Symphony does not have a minimum age attendance policy; however, all children, including infants, must purchase a ticket in the same area as the accompanying adult. Student discounts are available in certain areas of the hall, and the Dallas Symphony also offers a Family Concert Series for children of all ages.
Will I recognize the music?
It is very likely that you will recognize parts of many symphonies, concertos and choral works. Music written by the great classical composers is often used in movie soundtracks, television shows and commercials. Listen to the Sounds of the Symphony to hear recordings of the pieces before you go.
Do I need to know the music before I attend a performance?
No. One of the great joys of going to a Dallas Symphony concert is being introduced to a great piece of music you've never heard before, or listening to a superb performance of a piece you have known for years. Some regular concert-goers do find they appreciate the performance more if they listen to a recording of the piece before the concert, so they can better anticipate their favorite parts, or listen to virtuoso playing of the more difficult passages. (Listen to the Sounds of the Symphony) Many audience members also find that attending a live concert enhances their enjoyment of the music.
