Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Colorado Springs Philharmonic – and the magic of live symphonic performances.  Whether this is your first orchestra concert or you’re a regular concert-goer, we want you to expect the unexpected! Because that is the enchantment of live performance – no two shows are the same – each time the Philharmonic steps on stage, the music is transformed by our audience’s energy and enthusiasm. 

Everyone Welcome!

At the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, we believe the life-changing inspiration of great music is for everyone.  Musicians of the orchestra are from every walk of life and from nearly every corner of the globe.  Their passion and mastery comes through in every note, and we invite you to join us at a performance soon.

New to Classical Music?

If you are new to classical music and don’t know what to expect, that is quite alright! We are thrilled you have chosen to attend one of our performances and welcome you to relax and enjoy the performance -no studying required.

If you would like to prepare ahead of time, you can read more about the artists and musical pieces by visiting our online program book below or simply search the web for the pieces of music and artists on the program.

Pre-Concert Lectures

Pre-concert chats are available for our Masterworks and Signature Series performances, one-hour before the performance. This is a great way to learn more about the artists, the pieces being performed as well as what to expect during the performance.

Digital Program

To access the program, click here to access more information about the artists and history of the pieces that will be performed.  

Arrival Time

Doors to the concert hall open one hour before each performance. Please give yourself enough time to find available parking and to get to your seats.

Coat Check

Coat check is available at both venues, free of charge.

Length of the Performances

The length of the performances vary, but Masterworks, Pops, and Signature performances are usually about two hours from start to finish. This includes a twenty-minute intermission.

Clapping is encouraged! Just not all the time or while the musicians are playing.

It is customary to hold your applause until the very end of the piece. Many of the works you hear have multiple sections called movements (each movement is listed in your program.) Not sure when the end of the piece is? Your best bet is to watch the conductor. They will let you know when the piece is over, so wait until they put their arms down and turn to face the audience. If their hands remain in front of them, they are waiting for the orchestra to be ready to continue the piece. If you’re still in doubt, you can always wait until the crowd begins to applaud.

But this isn’t a hard and fast rule! If you happen to be inspired by a particular movement and spontaneously break into clapping, it’s ok! Trust us—there are many more patrons in the hall with you that feel the same way. On top of that, the musicians love knowing that they moved you to applause!

Dress code?  What dress code?

As an audience member you can wear whatever is comfortable for you. Some people might feel comfortable in jeans, but others might feel more comfortable in an evening gown or tux. A good guide might be your personal dress code for dinner with friends. But you will probably see other concert-goers in everything from fancy dresses to a T-shirt and cowboy boots, so you can feel comfortable wearing anything in this range.

Just got off work and don’t have time to change? Come as you are whether that be business casual, scrubs, or a suit.  Are you coming to a film in concert? Feel free to dress up as your favorite character from the movie. Want to show off your favorite formal dress on opening night? Wear it, all your fancy jewelry, and don’t forget your opera glasses.

We recommend children over age of 7 (school age) or children who can sit still during the performances to attend – the performances are just too lengthy for children under the age of 7.

Our “Free for Kids” program offers young audiences an invitation to hear the Philharmonic perform live, in a true concert setting. Learn more about the Free for Kids program here.

To purchase single tickets for an upcoming performance, visit our event calendar here. To purchase single tickets in person, visit the Pikes Peak Center Box Office for Philharmonic Pops and Masterworks performances and the Ent Center Box Office for Signature Series performances.

Season subscribers get the best seats in the house! Please contact our main administrative office to get more information about purchasing season subscription at 719-575-9632 or to get on our mailing list.

Learn about season subscriber benefits here.

Military and Student Tickets

We do offer discounted tickets for members of the military and students. To purchase the discounted tickets, please visit the box office with your military or student ID.

Most people advise arriving 30 minutes before the performance begins. This will give you an opportunity to find your seats before the performance begins and read the program notes. Concessions are available in the lobby while you wait.

If you happen to arrive late, please let an usher know at the entrance of the performance hall. To be respectful of other patrons and the musicians, ushers outside of the concert hall will wait for an authorized opportunity for a pause in the music, before escorting you into the concert hall and seats. Please enter the performance hall quietly and take your seats.

Exchanges

To help when scheduling conflicts arise, subscribers may exchange their Philharmonic tickets for other Philharmonic concerts free of charge. Exchanges must be made at least 24 hours before the performance and are subject to sufficient ticket availability as some concerts are not available for exchange. Tickets from past concerts may not be exchanged.

Please use one of the following methods to exchange your tickets:

  • Call 719-575-9632
  • Bring your tickets to the Pikes Peak Center Box office for Masterworks and Pops concert and the Ent Center Box Office for Signature Series concerts during box office hours.

Single tickets are not exchangeable, and exchanges are a benefit for season subscribers only. You can share your ticket(s) with friends, family members, or you can donate your ticket(s) back at the box office.

Lost Tickets

Misplace your tickets? No worries! Contact our main office in advance at 719-575-9632 to put a request in to have your tickets reprinted and held for you at the Will Call window at the respective box office.

Maybe specify that it need to be the box office where the performance is. 

A Safe Place for Music

We are aware that most Philharmonic patrons have been fully vaccinated, and we know that they care for their neighbors and friends. We ask everyone to either be fully vaccinated or wear a mask during performances and preferably both. For more information, please click here.

Most concerts have a 20-minute intermission to stretch and relax with friends.  In the lobby you’ll find new friends to meet, as well as concessions and restrooms.

The Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts offers ample street-side parking adjacent to the venue is available to all concertgoers. Secure covered parking is also available in the parking structure on the south side of the Pikes Peak Center on Sahwatch Steet. The parking garage opens 90 minutes prior to each performance and closes 90 minutes after the conclusion of the performance.

The Ent Center for the Performing Arts Provides free parking just a short walk from the lobby doors.

Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts Directions

Ent Center for the Performing Arts Directions

To be respectful of the performers and fellow patrons, the unauthorized use of cameras or audio recording equipment during the performances is prohibited. Prior to the performance, please make sure you silence your cell phones, beepers, and wearable device alarm settings.

Ent Center for the Arts: Food and beverages are available for purchase before the performances and to be enjoyed in the lobby. No food and drinks are allowed in the concert hall.

Pikes Peak Center Performance Hall: Food and beverages are available for purchase before the performances and during intermission and can be enjoyed in the lobby or the concert hall.

No outside food and beverages are allowed inside either venue.

Make a night of it! Downtown dining offers some of Colorado Springs’ finest culinary experiences. From simple fare to extravagant, you’ll find it all. Click here for detailed information on downtown dining.

The Pikes Peak Center offers pre-concert dinners or sips and savors to enjoy before selected performances. For more information call the pre-show dining at 719-477-2102 or to make reservations, click here

All Colorado Springs Philharmonic performances at the Pikes Peak Center and the Ent Center for the Arts performance halls are accessible to persons with special needs.

Wheelchairs and Elevators

Wheelchair accessibility is available at both the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts and the Ent Center for the Arts. Elevators are available at both performance venues.

To purchase wheelchair and companion seating, please come to the physical box office or call the Pikes Peak Center Box Office at 719-960-4725 or the Ent Center Box Office at 719-255-3232.

Accessible Parking

Ent Center for the Arts accessible parking is available in parking lot 176.

Pikes Peak Center accessible parking is available in the public garage off Sahwatch, behind the Center on the Southwest corner. There is an approved parking pass area at the east end of the garage with an elevator to take you to floor 2B. There is also accessible metered parking on Cascade Street. Patrons can be dropped off at the “ticketing zone” on the north end of the building then access the center through the automatic door to the lobby.

Audio Aids

Audio Aids are available at both box offices by request.

We are not responsible for lost or stolen items. If you have lost a personal item, please contact the Pikes Peak Center backstage team at 719-520-7465 or the Ent Center Box Office team at 719-255-3232.

Do have a question that still needs to be answered or do you need to get in touch with a member of our team? Contact us here.