FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much time should I allow myself to get to the theatre?
Give yourself plenty of time to get to the theatre; late arrivals are disruptive.
What happens if I arrive late?
Patrons arriving after the curtain time printed on their tickets should not expect to be seated immediately. The House Manager may seat late-arriving patrons at an appropriate interval. For some concerts, late seating may not occur until intermission. If late seating is permitted, it may only be done if there are seats available in locations that will neither disturb the continuity of the performance nor the enjoyment of those patrons who are already seated. If accommodated, latecomers should not expect to be seated in their assigned seats, nor with other members of their party who arrived on time. Tickets presented to the House Manager after curtain time are not exchangeable OR refundable.
What should I wear?
There is not a dress code for performances. The typical patron's attire ranges from office casual to evening attire. This is your experience - dress how you feel comfortable! It is recommended that patrons refrain from using strong perfumes and colognes so as not to distract the patrons sitting around you.
How long is a typical performance?
Program length varies, but a typical California Symphony performance lasts about two hours, including one intermission. You can also call the Symphony office at (925) 280-2490 for an estimated length.
When do I clap?
Many works in classical music, such as a Beethoven symphony or Mozart piano concerto, have three or more movements or sections. A short pause usually falls in between each of them. It has become customary over time not to clap during these short pauses. To find out the number of movements (and corresponding number of pauses) in a piece, turn to the program page in your program book. You will find that each work is subdivided by movement (usually indicated by tempo markings in Italian). After the last movement, clap to your heart's content.
Can I bring my cell phone?
Patrons carrying cell phones, wearing alarm watches and/or electronic paging systems are requested to turn them off before entering the concert hall. Please contact the house manager before entering the auditorium if emergency notification might be required. Patrons who may receive an emergency call should leave the number (925) 295-1424 along with the name of the event (California Symphony) and their exact seat location (row and seat number) so they may be easily reached.
Can I take pictures?
Cameras as well as other recording devices in the theatre can create major distractions for the musicians and audience members around you. As a result, no still, video cameras or tape recorders are permitted. All equipment should be checked with the house manager prior to entering the auditorium.
Can I bring my children?
Children eight years old and over are welcome at California Symphony concerts. Every child, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter the theatre.
Does the Lesher Center offer refreshments?
The Lesher Center offers a refreshment bar which is during intermission on the second floor. Drinking fountains can be found on all levels of the center.
Can I leave a show during the performance?
We realize that traffic in and out of the theatre can be congested following a performance; still, it is distracting to other patrons to leave while the show is still in progress. Persons leaving the theatre during the performance may not be readmitted.
Can I get a refund for my ticket?
All ticket sales are final; no refunds or cancellations.
Is the Center wheelchair and hearing-impaired accessible?
The Center is wheelchair accessible and theatres are equipped with free infrared listening systems for hearing-impaired patrons. The listening system does not work well with hearing aids. If you wish to use one of these devices, please ask for the House Manager. You will be asked to leave either a drivers license or credit card until the device is returned.
We would like to accommodate all patrons. Please let us know if you have special seating requirements at the time you purchase tickets.