Frequently Asked Questions

Are wheelchair-accessible seats available?
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Wheelchair-accessible seats within Jones Hall are available. For help with ticket purchases including buying wheelchair-accessible seats, please contact our Patron Services Center at 713.224.7575, 12 noon–6 p.m. Monday–Saturday.
Are there options for patrons who are blind or have low vision?
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Houston First Corporation offers free access to Aira, an app and optional wearable device to aid blind and low-vision people conduct tasks and navigate public spaces with enhanced ease and independence. In an effort to increase accessibility, Houston First has partnered with Aira to cover the cost of any minutes used through the service within Jones Hall for the Performing Arts.
How will I be notified about a delayed or canceled performance due to bad weather?
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If a concert is affected by bad weather, you will receive a call and email. Patrons are also encouraged to check our Facebook, X or Instagram for up-to-the-minute updates.
My contact information has changed. How do I notify the Symphony?
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It’s important that we maintain accurate records of your contact information. If anything changes, please notify our Patron Services Center by calling 713.224.7575 during operating hours: Monday–Saturday, 12 noon–6 p.m.
Where does the Houston Symphony perform?
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Our permanent home is Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, located in the heart of Houston’s thriving Theater District. We also perform regularly at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion and Miller Outdoor Theatre, among other locations throughout Greater Houston.
What time do doors open for a performance?
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Lobby doors open 60 minutes prior to the start of the concert, and the hall doors open 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the show. For most Classical Series concerts, we also offer Preludes (pre-concert discussions), hosted by Calvin Dotsey and held in hall, 45 minutes prior to each performance. These Preludes usually last from 20-25 minutes. Pre-concert preludes are not available for Bank of America POPS, Specials or PNC Family Series. We recommend arriving no later than 30 minutes prior to the concert start time. For some concerts late seating is not allowed.
Where do I park?
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You may find directions and parking information for all concert locations at the following button:
What time does your box office open?
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The Patron Services Center is open Monday through Saturday, from 12 noon to 6 p.m., at its location in the courtyard of Jones Hall or by phone at 713.224.7575. We recommend patrons elect to have their tickets electronically delivered via email. These tickets may be scanned directly from a mobile device or printed from home. Alternatively, tickets purchased in advance of a performance can be mailed.
Can security escort me to my car after a performance?
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Absolutely. The safety of our patrons is of the utmost importance to us. If you would like a security escort to your car, simply notify any usher or our front of house manager, and we will happily arrange this for you.
Where do I enter Jones Hall?
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Street-level entrances provide access to the main lobby from Louisiana Street and the side entrance on Texas Avenue. The Wortham Foundation Courtyard entrance is accessible through the tunnel from the Theater District Parking Garage.
Where are restrooms located?
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Restrooms are located throughout Jones Hall, on the courtyard, mezzanine, and balcony levels. If you need help finding the nearest restroom, just ask an usher!
What should I wear when attending a Houston Symphony performance?
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We want your concert experience to be as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. You will see patrons in formal attire, business casual, and everything in between.
May I photograph or record the performance?
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Unfortunately, we do not allow cameras or any audio or recording devices during a performance. Photography, cameras or any audio or visual recordings of performances is strictly prohibited.
May I tweet or use social media during a performance?
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Though we encourage the use of social media before or after a performance, patrons may not use their phones during a performance.
What is your late seating policy?
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Each performance typically allows for late seating, which is scheduled in intervals and determined by the conductor. Our ushers and front of house staff will instruct you on when late seating is allowed.
What is your policy for food and drinks?
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Food is not permitted inside the auditorium. Patrons may bring drinks into the auditorium for Bank of America POPS Series concerts. Drinks are not permitted inside the auditorium for Classical concerts. The Encore Café and in-hall bars are open for Symphony performances, and food and drink will be permitted in bar areas. Hot food, light refreshments, bar drinks, and beverages are all available for purchase at Jones Hall. Pre-Order Menu Items: Save time by pre-ordering your food and drinks before the show for intermission: Order hot food and pasta from the hot food stations and cocktails and Grab & Go items from the Round Bar.
Are children allowed?
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Children ages six and up are welcome to all Classical, Bank of America POPS, and Symphony Special concerts. Children of all ages of welcome at PNC Family Series performances.
Should I applaud between movements?
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For Classical Series performances, holding applause between movements is considered respectful of the performers’ concentration and mindful of musical continuity. The conductor generally signals when a piece is over by putting his or her arms down and turning to the audience.
Can I request an autograph of a guest artist or conductor?
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Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate requests for autographs. However, patrons are allowed to wait outside at the stage door on Texas Ave.
Are there any pre-concert activities in the hall?
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Prelude is currently presented live in hall. In-hall Prelude: Pre-concert discussions are held in Jones Hall prior to each Classical Series concert on Friday and Saturdays at 6:45 p.m., and Sundays at 1:15 p.m. Prelude sometimes features guest artists and members of the orchestra. Presented By Baker Bots
Are recordings of Symphony performances available for purchase?
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Currently there are no performance recordings available for purchase at the Houston Symphony. If you prefer a multimedia experience, we invite you to learn more about our Livestream Subscriptions.
Are there dining options at Jones Hall?
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The Encore Café and in-hall bars are open for Symphony performances, and food and drink will be permitted in bar areas. Hot food, light refreshments, bar drinks, and beverages are all available for purchase at Jones Hall. Patrons may bring drinks into the auditorium for Bank of America POPS Series concerts. Drinks are not permitted inside the auditorium for Classical concerts. Pre-Order Menu Items: Save time by pre-ordering your food and drinks before the show for intermission: Order hot food and pasta from the hot food stations and cocktails and Grab & Go items from the Round Bar. Alternatively, if you would like to eat outside of the hall, you may visit nearby restaurants and cafes (e.g. Birraporetti’s, Perbacco, the Lancaster Hotel Bistro, as well as many options along Main St. and in the GreenStreet Downtown development).
What type of concert series does the Houston Symphony offer?
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As part of our mission to be relevant and accessible to all audiences, we offer the following concert series:
  • Classical Series: 18 concert weekends led by Music Director Juraj Valčuha
  • Bank of America POPS Series: 9 concert weekends led by Principal POPS Conductor Steven Reineke
  • PNC Family Series: 4 concerts on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m.
  • Our Specials are typically one- or two-night events and are not part of subscription packages.
We recognize that some patrons may not feel comfortable attending in person at this time, and we are committed to bringing live music to you, wherever you are. Livestream packages are available for each concert series. Browse livestream packages
What time are concerts held?
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  • Classical Series: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
  • Bank of America POPS Series: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
  • PNC Family Series: Saturday at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
  • Symphony Specials: Performance days vary (please check our concert calendar); 7:30 p.m
How do I exchange tickets?
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Contact our Patron Services Center to exchange into a different concert. Please allow up to 48 hours for a response.
  • Online: Request a Ticket Exchange or Donation
  • Email: patronservices@houstonsymphony.org
  • Phone: 713.224.7575, 12 noon–6 p.m., Monday–Saturday
WHAT ARE MY TICKET OPTIONS? Exchange tickets for another scheduled performance in the season. Some exceptions or fees may apply. Tickets may not be exchanged for Symphony Specials or Summer Series performances. The Houston Symphony reserves the right to refuse exchange privileges into or out of any performance without written notice.
  • 6+ concert package subscribers: Free exchanges
  • Less than 6 concert subscribers: $5 exchanges
  • Single Ticket Exchanges: $15
Donate the value of your ticket back to the Houston Symphony. You will receive a tax receipt for the value of your ticket. Apply the value of your ticket towards a subscription. Support the Symphony with a subscription. Contact us online or by phone at 713.224.7575 to apply ticket value towards a package purchase.
How do I donate tickets?
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Can’t use or exchange a season ticket? Donate the ticket prior to the performance for a tax deduction in accordance with the tax code. Seats will be released, and a tax donation receipt can be mailed when donated tickets are received prior to a concert.
  • Online donation requests may be submitted up to 24 hours prior to the ticketed performance.
  • Donations via phone or in person can be made up to three hours prior to the performance.
  • Once you donate a ticket, your donation is final and the ticket is immediately made available for re-sale.
Online: Request a Ticket Exchange or Donation Phone: 713.224.7575, Monday–Saturday, 12 noon–6 p.m. In Person: At the Patron Services Center, located on the lower level of Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, open Monday–Saturday, 12 noon–6 p.m, or visit an available Box Office window before a performance.
Can I request tickets for fundraisers or events?
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If you would like to request tickets for fundraisers, please email us at ticketdonations@houstonsymphony.org. A member of our staff will contact you as soon as possible.
When is the ConocoPhillips Box Office open for performances?
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The Box Office opens 60 minutes prior to Houston Symphony performances. We recommend arriving no later than 30 minutes prior to concert start time.
How do I receive my tickets?
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Tickets purchased more than one week in advance of a performance will be mailed unless otherwise requested. Tickets ordered within one week of a concert date will be sent electronically.
What if I've lost my tickets?
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No problem! Your ticket is re-printable. Simply call us at 713.224.7575 or come to an available ConocoPhillips Box Office window at the performance. Once tickets are reprinted, past versions are no longer valid.