FAQ

We have been based in Peoria, IL, since 1897. You can check out a list of our current venues here!

We want you to be comfortable at our performance, so what you wear is your choice! Many of our patrons love dressing up for the concert, though there are many who like to keep it casual. If you are attending a special event, feel free to pull out all the stops!

We get this question a lot—and the answer is everyone has their own preference. There really is no ‘bad seat’ in the symphony hall. In general, our most popular seats are in the center (not too close to the musicians, and not too far away), the box seats (for added privacy), the front of the balcony (a great view of the orchestra), and aisle seats (easy access).

At regular performances, the ticket cost starts at $29 and $15 for students. If you are new, we strongly recommend a season subscription. Subscribers can see an entire season starting at just under $250 for 7 concerts! Subscribers get a lot of extra benefits, too, and you will have a chance to get to know the Maestro and experience the full breadth of our performances. Click here for more information.

Fees may be avoided if you purchase tickets directly from the Civic Center’s Toyota Box Office, which manages all PSO single ticket purchases.

The Toyota Box Office is open on Fridays from 10 AM to 2 PM (and 90 minutes prior to a concert) and is located inside the Peoria Civic Center on the first floor right inside from the Entrance of the Marquee Parking lot.

Please note that the Box Office is not available for phone calls. Please Contact Peoria Civic Center Customer Service via the online form with questions or issues. In addition, make note of the following:

• The Toyota Box Office accepts cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. NO CHECKS are accepted at the Toyota Box Office.
• Tickets held at WILL CALL can be picked up during regular box office hours or 90 minutes prior to a concert. Patrons must present a valid form of identification, the credit card used in the transaction, or the confirmation number.

When you contact the Box Office or the PSO offices to purchase tickets, or to redeem a gift certificate, you will be asked how you would like to receive your tickets. There are three options:

• Tickets can be sent via TEXT/MOBILE PHONE
• Tickets can be sent via EMAIL
• Tickets can be left at WILL CALL to be picked up during the Toyota Box Office Hours, or 90 minutes prior to a concert.

Click here for additional information: Toyota Box Office Information

Beverages (including wine, beer, and mixed drinks) are available to purchase at all Peoria Civic Center Concerts at the bar. You are more than welcome to take your beverage back with you into the symphony hall—just be careful not to spill it! Small bites are also available to purchase at Peoria Civic Center concerts. Check the event page for more information or send us a message.

Beverages (non-alcoholic) and cookies are provided at Grace Presbyterian concerts.

At all venues, we ask that you do not carry food back with you into the symphony hall.

Absolutely! There are many educational opportunities connected to each concert. Check out the individual event pages for program notes, information on pre-concert lectures, and additional educational opportunities. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional insights.

Most orchestra concerts are about two hours long, with an intermission at the halfway point. Very often there will be several pieces on the program, but sometimes there is one single work played straight through. It’s a good idea to take a look at the program before the concert to get an idea of what to expect—we now list the approximate length of each piece.

Most intermissions are 20 minutes long, which gives you time to socialize with your companions, visit the facilities, or simply sit in your seat and read the program notes. At the Civic Center you may get a drink in the lobby and bring it back to your seat. Do whatever puts you in a good frame of mind to hear the second half of the concert!

In most classical concerts the audience does not applaud during the music. They wait until the end of each piece, then applaud. But this can be a little tricky, because many pieces seem to end several times—they have several sections, or “movements.” You’ll know this by looking at the pieces listed in your program. The movements will be listed under the title of the piece. Your signal to clap is when the conductor drops his arms to his sides and turns to face the audience.

Did you clap too soon? Don’t worry—it happens every time! We are just happy that you are enjoying your experience.

We ask that you keep your phones silent or off during a performance. However, when the orchestra is not playing, we encourage you take selfies and let others know that you are having a fun time! Please tag us, too—we love to see your faces. You can find us on Facebook at “Peoria Symphony” and on Instagram at @peoriasymphony.

It depends! Most standard-length classical concerts are not appropriate for small children because they require an attention span that is difficult for youngsters to maintain.

The family-friendly January Matinee concert is held at 3:00 p.m. This concert is appropriate for families and children. All children require a ticket for a seat, regardless of age; children/student tickets are available at a discounted price.

We record each concert, so please be considerate and exit the concert hall if your child is unable to remain silent.

You are more than welcome to take pictures of yourself and friends when the orchestra is not performing. As soon as the house lights go down, however, please remember that the Peoria Symphony Orchestra prohibits the recording of its performances via camera, digital camera, cell phone, camcorder, audio tape, or with any other electronic device.

Yes, we welcome groups to our concerts and offer a discounted ticket price for adults and special seating arrangements. Call the Toyota Box Office for details and for seating options. For most concerts we offer a twenty percent off standard ticket prices for a group of ten or more when the tickets are purchased together. Student tickets cannot be further discounted but call us regarding special chaperone pricing.

We do not offer refunds. You can exchange* your tickets for another concert or turn them in and receive a tax letter.**

*Exchanges based on availability; premium concerts excluded. Request must be made three days in advance of the concert.

** You can receive a charitable donation credit for the value of the ticket purchase price if you return your tickets three days in advance of the concert.

Wheelchair accessible seats* and companion seats are available on the main floor at all concert venues. For more information or to purchase these tickets, please call the Toyota Box Office.

Patrons who use walkers, canes, or crutches might want to consider purchasing seats near or on an aisle for better accessibility. Please see an usher for assistance to and from your seat as they will remove your walker when not in use for your safety and the safety of others.

*These seating areas are designed specifically for parking a personal wheelchair.