Frequently Asked Questions
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra does not sell tickets through third party websites, except in the case of vendors who control their own inventory and are authorized to sell tickets on behalf of the VSO, including but not limited to: The Chan Centre at UBC, the Anvil Centre, and the Vancouver Playhouse. If your tickets are purchased through unauthorized third party sites then they may be invalid and entry could be refused
Attending Concerts
Box offices at the Orpheum and Chan Centre open two hours prior to concert time – box offices at every other venue open 1 hour prior to concert time.
Pre-ordered or Will Call tickets are available at the venue box office according to the timing mentioned above.
Yes! The new VSO App lets you take your tickets with you on your mobile device. Search “Vancouver Symphony” in the Android or Apple App Stores to download the free VSO App. You can login using the same credentials you use at VancouverSymphony.ca
Group rates are available for 10 or more people. Students must be in full-time attendance at an educational institution, and in the case of post secondary students, must possess a valid current student card. Individuals must be 65 years of age to qualify for the senior’s discount. Please note: all student tickets must be picked up in-person, either at the venue box office on the date of the performance, or in advance at the VSO’s Admin Offices. All students attending must provide proof of their full-time enrollment.
Yes, babies do require a ticket. Please call VSO Customer Service for details: 604.876.3434
The VSO has a no refund policy on all tickets purchased. In the case of concert cancellation, the VSO will contact ticket buyers.
Current VSO subscribers can exchange tickets to regular season concerts at no extra cost. Only if seats are upgraded into higher sections or higher priced concerts would any amount be owed.
Single ticket buyers can request exchanges for a fee of $5 per ticket. This applies to different dates of the same concert as well.
Exchanges cannot be made on tickets purchased at promotional rates.
Unless otherwise specified, promotional discounts do not apply to Dress Circle seats and are only valid for seating sections 1-5.
No! Smart casual to high-end fashion, the choice is yours! It’s your night and we want you to have a great time.
Traditionally at symphony and chamber music concerts, audiences wait until the end of a piece before clapping. As more music lovers attend these programs for the first time, enthusiastic applause does break out between sections of larger works. If you are worried about when to applaud, wait until the conductor has turned around to face the audience. Or just wait until the clapping starts, and feel free to join in!
All mobile devices must be put on silent to limit distractions for other audience members and the performers. But you are welcome to browse your phone and our digital program during the concert; please be respectful with your screen brightness.
For the comfort of our artists, photos and video should only be taken in the hall when the musicians are not performing. You are welcome to take photos and video before the concert or during intermission.
Most VSO concerts are approximately 2 hours long, including a twenty minute intermission.
The theatre concession offers a selection of special coffees, alcoholic beverages, cold drinks and candies.
Cameras and recording devices cannot be used during a performance, but photography is allowed in the theatre when the house lights are up. Share them with us on Facebook or Instagram @VSOrchestra, and don’t forget to turn your cell phone off when the concert starts!
Except for Kid’s Concerts, it is not recommended to take children under six years of age to Symphony concerts.
Parking is free to ticketholders at the Bell Performing Arts Centre and Centennial Theatre. There is no designated parking for the Orpheum, but there are multiple parking options within a two block radius of the theatre. Click below for more downtown Vancouver parking options.
Download a Map of Downtown Parking
Most venues have a latecomers policy that allows latecomers to be seated at an appropriate break in the music, chosen by the conductor, at the back of the theatre. Latecomers can then move to their originally purchased seats after intermission.
We make every effort to present concerts as planned, but unfortunately there are sometimes factors outside of our control that impact our ability to present a concert as advertised. From time to time we sometimes need to make changes to repertoire or artists to ensure that the show can go on.
Yes, all VSO concerts are priced dynamically, meaning prices may change depending on how a performance is selling.
Yes, we occasionally promote our subscriptions via telemarketing. These calls are made by our authorized representatives at Arts Marketing Services (AMS) and originate from 604-684-9100. If you have any questions or feedback regarding a call you’ve received please feel free to reach out to us at (236) 477-8034.
