FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about “going to the Symphony.”
(1) Do I have to dress up to go?
No. We encourage people to dress comfortably. If comfortable to you means a pair of jeans and your favorite sweater - great. If you are more comfortable in a suit or dress - that’s okay too. The main thing is just to come to the concerts and enjoy great music.
(2) Are the musicians professional?
Yes. All of our musicians are accomplished professionals. Many of them play for other professional music organizations and some are also private instruction teachers.
(3) Is it expensive to attend a Symphony concert?
No more expensive than say dinner and a movie. Our single tickets begin at just $16 for our Classic Series and Holiday Pops. The rest all begin at just $15. Of course like any concert, you can pay more for better seats. But at the E.J. Thomas Hall, there is no such thing as a bad seat. There are also discounts available for seniors, students and groups of 10 or more. Don’t forget when you subscribe to the ASO Connect newsletter, you get exclusive ticket offers delivered right to your inbox.
(4) Do you only play classical music?
No. The Akron Symphony is known for the diversity of music it performs each and every year. Do you like gospel music? How about big band, broadway, patriotic, opera, film scores? We offer all of that and more.
(5) Should I bring my children?
Hard for us to say since you probably know your children better than we do. However, we take pride in the fact that our concerts are appropriate for all ages. In addition to our Concerts For Kids programs (for children ages 3-6), the Akron Symphony offers Odyssey, a new and exciting series that explores symphonic music through the use of drama, dance and other visual art forms. Odyssey is a perfect vehicle to introduce your child, husband, wife, aunt, sister - anyone - to the world of live symphonic music.
(6) Is the Symphony just for rich people?
Please see question # 3. Actually the Akron Symphony is a non-profit organization that strives to take its message of beautiful orchestral music to all corners of the community. People of all different backgrounds and means can sit side by side and enjoy what the ASO has to share.
(7) Isn’t the Symphony geared toward an older crowd?
No. All of our concerts are designed to appeal to music lovers of all ages.
(8) Do I have to know a lot about classical music to enjoy the Symphony?
Not at all. You don’t have to know anything about classical music to enjoy any of the ASO’s concerts. Great music is, well, great music. For those that would like to know more about the music performed during our Classic Series concerts, you are welcome to attend Previews From the Podium, an informal talk before each classic concert with ASO music director Christopher Wilkins and other guests. The program notes found in the ASO quarterly program Clef Notes offer additional background information on the music and the composers, as do the ASO podcast and blog found right here at AkronSymphony.org.
