FAQs
Where can I get my Tickets?
Tickets can be ordered online, over the phone, or in person at one of our Box Office locations. You can choose to receive them electronically, to have them mailed or couriered, to pick them up in advance at our office during business hours, or pick them up (will call) when you arrive for the performance.
Where is Parking & Transit?
Free Parking is available at the Polaris Centre and all of our Touring Venues. Unfortunately, due the rural locations of our concerts, Transit is usually not available.
What Should I Wear?
Whatever you want! At the RMSO there is no dress code. We want you to feel happy and relaxed so you can enjoy the performance. Most people wear business-casual attire, but you will see everything from jeans to cocktail wear. Dress in your own style and what makes you most comfortable.
What if I Arrive Late?
Even the best plans can go wrong. We'll do our best to seat latecomers at appropriate breaks in the performance, but in some cases, this may not be possible until the completion of an entire piece. We don’t want you to miss anything, so you can usually listen to the music and watch the performance on screens in the lobby.
When should I clap?
This is the most common question! Traditionally in classical music culture, audiences hold their applause until the end of an entire piece (there can be multiple movements, with short breaks between them, in one piece). This is intended to respect the performers’ focus and the flow of the music.
You’ll know when a piece is truly finished by watching the conductor, who will usually lower their arms completely and turn to face the audience. If in doubt, just wait for someone else to start.
But, if you do happen to clap before the piece is finished, that’s okay! The musicians will be pleased to know you’re enjoying the performance.
Are Drinks allowed in the Concert Hall?
Concerts at the Polaris Centre & Bearspaw Lifestyle Centre - Yes! Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available for sale and may be taken into the concert hall. Many people arrive early to enjoy a pre-concert drink in the lobby or take in a pre-concert chat before the performance. You can also avoid the bar lineups at intermission by pre-ordering your drinks at the lobby bar before the concert — they’ll be ready for you at intermission.
Thank you for returning your glassware to the bar!
How Long is a Concert?
Concert length varies, but a typical evening performance starting at 7:30PM is about two hours, including a 20-minute intermission.
What about Phones?
- If possible, we ask that you turn your device off completely.
- If you must keep it on (to contact the babysitter, for example), please turn off the sound and set the brightness to minimum.
Can I take photos and videos?
Sure, but be considerate!
We’re happy when people want to share their experience at the RMSO.
- For most concerts, you can take a quick photo or a short video for social media.
- Please be considerate of your neighbours.
- They paid for a ticket, too.
- If a device is distracting to them, please respect that.
- Remember to turn off the flash — as you can imagine, it interferes with the musician’s ability to see their music.
What if I lose my ticket?
No problem! Your tickets should be safely stored in your Showpass account. If you cannot access them, we can always look them up at the Box Office for you.
What if I can't make a concert?
We have one of the most flexible and convenient ticket exchange policies around, and we’ll be happy to help you choose another concert that works with your schedule. We are not able to offer refunds on ticket purchases unless the concert is cancelled. For more information, please see our Ticket Policies.
What is a Concertmaster?
The concertmaster leads the first violin section, tunes the orchestra, and often plays solos. They are the bridge between the conductor and the musicians, and may even take on the role of conductor by leading the Orchestra if the music requires. The Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra's concertmaster is Eva Toncheva.
Do Ticket Sales Cover the Costs of running an Orchestra?
Ticket sales don’t fully cover the costs of running an Orchestra. On average, ticket sales only account for 30% of expenses.
Hiring musicians, obtaining music scores and proper licenses, renting the hall, and bringing in guest artists are just some of the big expenses required. We rely on grants and donations to keep the lights on and the music playing. We are a registered charity, and you can donate here.
Do you have any Discounts?
There are a number of ways to get affordable tickets. Depending on the show, regular tickets often start as low as $30 for adults and $20 for children 12 or under.
Our Mini-Maestros program provides a free ticket for children under 12 to experience the Symphony for the first time (Pilot Program in 2023-24).
If you’re age 13 to 29, you can register for our free PeakPass program, which offers $20 tickets to several performances through the Season.
We also offer a 20% discount to group bookings of 7 or more.
What is a Subscriber?
To be a subscriber, you need to buy tickets to four or more RMSO concerts. You can do those through a season ticket purchase or by purchasing a flex-pass.
You can choose a Curated Series featuring the music you want to hear — classical, chamber, or pops - or you can build a custom selection by choosing the concerts you want, when you want them. Being a subscriber gets you Season-long discounts, free reprints, priority seating, and more. Visit our Subscribers page to learn more.
I have some feedback!
We love feedback! Whether it’s a question, comment, or concern, if you have something you’d like us to play, or if you just want to say hi, send a message to [admin@rmso.ca]
Do you have Kids Tickets?
Yes, kids are always welcome at our performances and can get a free ticket through the "Mini-Maestros" program. Our concerts are recommended for young folks 7 and up.
While we encourage families to attend, children under age 7 tend to find the concerts a little too long. Babes in arms are free, and do not require an additional ticket.
We always recommend finding seats with an escape route so you can leave quickly if needed, and you may be asked to step into the lobby if your child needs a break (BONUS: you can still watch and hear the performance in the lobby on the screens!)