How to Book Tickets for the Denver Symphony Orchestra

The Denver Symphony Orchestra is one of Colorado’s most cherished cultural institutions, offering world-class performances that blend classical masterpieces with contemporary compositions. Whether you’re a longtime patron or a first-time concertgoer, attending a live performance by the Denver Symphony Orchestra is more than entertainment—it’s an immersive experience that connects audiences with the emotional power of orchestral music. Booking tickets for these performances requires attention to detail, timing, and access to the right platforms. Understanding how to navigate the ticketing process ensures you secure the best seats, avoid unnecessary fees, and fully enjoy the artistic offerings of one of the nation’s most dynamic regional orchestras. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough of the entire ticket booking journey, from selecting a performance to receiving your admission credentials, along with expert tips, essential tools, and real-world examples to help you succeed.

Step-by-Step Guide

Booking tickets for the Denver Symphony Orchestra is a straightforward process when approached systematically. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a seamless experience from start to finish.

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

The most reliable and secure source for tickets is the Denver Symphony Orchestra’s official website: denversymphony.org. This platform is updated in real time with the latest concert schedules, seating maps, pricing, and special offers. Avoid third-party resellers or unofficial sites, as they may charge inflated prices or sell invalid tickets. On the homepage, locate the “Season & Tickets” or “Concerts” section—this is your gateway to all upcoming performances.

Step 2: Explore the Performance Calendar

Once on the Tickets page, you’ll see a comprehensive calendar listing all scheduled concerts for the current season. Each listing includes the concert title, date, time, venue, and a brief description of the program. The Denver Symphony Orchestra performs primarily at Boettcher Concert Hall in downtown Denver, though occasional events may be held at other regional venues. Use the filters to narrow your search by genre (e.g., Classical, Pops, Family), month, or price range. Pay attention to special series such as “Symphony Under the Stars” or “Young People’s Concerts,” which may have unique booking procedures.

Step 3: Select Your Desired Performance

Click on the concert you wish to attend. You’ll be taken to a detailed performance page featuring program notes, soloist bios, conductor information, and a seating chart. The seating chart is interactive and color-coded to indicate price levels: premium, standard, and value seats. Premium seats are typically center orchestra or front mezzanine, offering the best acoustics and sightlines. Value seats are located in the rear orchestra or upper mezzanine and are ideal for budget-conscious attendees.

Step 4: Choose Your Seats

Click on the desired seat or group of seats. The system will highlight your selection and display the total price, including any applicable service fees. The Denver Symphony Orchestra does not charge mandatory service fees on tickets purchased directly through its website, but optional donations or membership upgrades may appear. You can adjust your selection at any time before proceeding to checkout. For groups of four or more, consider using the “Group Sales” option on the same page—this often unlocks discounted rates and reserved seating blocks.

Step 5: Create or Log Into Your Account

To complete your purchase, you’ll need to log into your existing account or create a new one. Creating an account is free and highly recommended. It allows you to save your preferences, receive personalized recommendations, access digital tickets, and manage future purchases. If you’re a returning patron, your account may already contain past order history, seating preferences, and subscription details. Enter your email address and create a secure password. Ensure the email you provide is active and regularly checked, as all confirmations and updates are sent digitally.

Step 6: Review and Complete Your Order

Before finalizing, review your cart carefully. Confirm the concert date, time, number of tickets, seat locations, and total amount. Double-check that the seating preview matches your expectations. If you’re purchasing as a gift or for a group, ensure all names and contact details are accurate. Once satisfied, select your payment method. The orchestra accepts major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. No cash or check payments are accepted online. After submitting payment, you’ll receive an immediate confirmation email with a PDF attachment of your tickets and a unique order number.

Step 7: Access Your Digital Tickets

Denver Symphony Orchestra tickets are delivered exclusively in digital format. You’ll receive an email with a link to your tickets within minutes of purchase. These tickets can be downloaded to your smartphone’s wallet app (Apple Wallet or Google Pay) for easy scanning at the venue entrance. Alternatively, you can print a physical copy if preferred, though digital presentation is faster and more environmentally friendly. Make sure your device is fully charged on the day of the concert. If you encounter any issues accessing your tickets, use the “My Tickets” section of your account dashboard to re-download them.

Step 8: Prepare for Your Visit

Before heading to the venue, review the venue guidelines on the Denver Symphony Orchestra website. Boettcher Concert Hall is located at 14th and Curtis Streets in Denver. Public transportation is highly recommended—the RTD light rail and bus lines provide direct access. Parking is available in nearby garages, but spaces fill quickly, especially on weekend evenings. Arrive at least 45 minutes before curtain to allow time for security screening, coat check, and finding your seat. The lobby opens 90 minutes prior to performances, offering opportunities to enjoy pre-concert talks, refreshments, and live music from chamber ensembles.

Best Practices

Maximizing your ticket booking experience requires more than just following the steps—it demands strategy, timing, and awareness of insider tips. These best practices will help you secure the best seats at the best value.

Subscribe to the Email Newsletter

Joining the Denver Symphony Orchestra’s email list is one of the most effective ways to stay ahead of ticket releases. Subscribers receive early access to new concert announcements, exclusive presales for members, and special promotions. Sign-up is free and can be done from the homepage footer. Many popular concerts, especially holiday programs and guest artist series, sell out within hours of public release—subscribers often get 48–72 hours of advance access.

Join the Symphony Society

Becoming a member of the Denver Symphony Society unlocks a range of benefits, including priority ticket access, discounted rates, complimentary program books, and invitations to backstage receptions. Membership tiers range from Supporter ($75/year) to Patron ($1,000+/year), with each level offering increasing privileges. Even the entry-level membership provides early ticket access and a 10% discount on additional purchases. For frequent attendees, membership pays for itself after just one or two concerts.

Book Early for Popular Events

Season-opening concerts, holiday performances (such as “A Christmas Carol” with full orchestra), and appearances by internationally renowned soloists are in high demand. These events typically go on sale in late spring or early summer for the following season. Set calendar reminders for the official on-sale date and be ready to book as soon as tickets become available. The orchestra’s website often posts countdown timers on the homepage for major events.

Consider Subscription Packages

Instead of purchasing individual tickets, consider a subscription package. Subscribers select 3–6 concerts from the season and receive a discounted rate per concert, free ticket exchanges, and waived processing fees. Subscriptions also guarantee the same seats for every performance, eliminating the stress of rebooking each time. Subscriptions typically go on sale in March for the upcoming season and are often sold out by June.

Use the Seat Preview Tool

Every concert page includes an interactive seat map with a “View from Your Seat” feature. Click on any seat to see a simulated view from that location. This tool helps you avoid obstructed views caused by pillars, balconies, or stage overhangs. Seats marked with a yellow “Recommended” tag have been vetted by the orchestra’s acoustics team for optimal sound and sightline quality.

Plan for Special Needs

The Denver Symphony Orchestra is committed to accessibility. All venues are ADA-compliant, with wheelchair-accessible seating, assistive listening devices, and sensory-friendly performances available for select events. If you require accommodations, indicate your needs during checkout or contact the box office via the website’s contact form. Requests are processed promptly and confidentially.

Avoid Last-Minute Purchases

While unsold tickets may become available shortly before a performance, relying on this strategy is risky. Popular concerts rarely have unsold seats, and last-minute buyers often end up with limited options or higher prices on resale platforms. Booking in advance not only guarantees better seats but also allows time to plan transportation, dining, and parking.

Check for Student and Senior Discounts

Students with a valid ID and seniors aged 65+ qualify for discounted tickets on select performances. These discounts are not always advertised prominently, so check the “Special Offers” section of the website or contact the box office directly for eligibility details. Discounts typically apply to value-tier seating and may require in-person or phone verification.

Tools and Resources

Several digital tools and external resources can enhance your ticket booking experience and deepen your appreciation of the Denver Symphony Orchestra’s performances.

Official Denver Symphony Orchestra App

The Denver Symphony Orchestra offers a free mobile application available on iOS and Android. The app provides push notifications for new concert announcements, real-time seat availability, digital ticket storage, and interactive program guides. It also includes a “Concert Reminder” feature that alerts you 24 hours before your scheduled performance. Download the app from your device’s app store and link it to your online account for full functionality.

SeatGeek and Ticketmaster Integration

While the orchestra’s website is the primary ticketing platform, select special events or outreach concerts may be co-hosted with Ticketmaster or SeatGeek. Always verify the URL before entering payment details. Official partnerships will display the Denver Symphony Orchestra logo and direct links from denversymphony.org. Never purchase tickets from unverified sellers on secondary marketplaces unless you’re aware of the risks.

Google Calendar Integration

After purchasing tickets, you can sync your concert dates to Google Calendar. The confirmation email includes an “Add to Calendar” button that automatically imports the event with location and time. This ensures you never miss a performance and helps you plan your week around the concert schedule.

Program Notes and Listening Guides

Each concert’s webpage includes downloadable program notes written by musicologists and performers. These notes provide historical context, composer biographies, and thematic analysis of the pieces being performed. Many patrons find listening to recordings of the program beforehand enhances their live experience. The orchestra also maintains a curated Spotify playlist for each season—search “Denver Symphony Orchestra Official” on Spotify to access these playlists.

YouTube and Live Stream Archives

While live performances are not streamed in real time, the Denver Symphony Orchestra regularly uploads select concerts to its official YouTube channel. These recordings are available for free and serve as excellent previews of the orchestra’s style and repertoire. Watching past performances can help you decide which concerts to attend based on the conductor’s interpretation or the featured soloist.

Local Event Aggregators

For those who prefer browsing multiple cultural events at once, platforms like Eventbrite, Visit Denver, and Colorado.com list Denver Symphony Orchestra concerts alongside other arts and entertainment offerings. These sites are useful for planning multi-day cultural itineraries but should not be used for ticket purchases.

Music Education Resources

The Denver Symphony Orchestra partners with local schools and universities to provide free educational resources for students and teachers. Their “Symphony in the Schools” program offers lesson plans, video modules, and instrument demonstrations. These materials are available on the “Education” tab of the website and are excellent for families looking to introduce children to classical music before attending a concert.

Real Examples

Understanding how the ticket booking process works in practice can help demystify the system. Here are three realistic scenarios based on actual booking experiences.

Example 1: First-Time Attendee Booking a Pops Concert

Sarah, a Denver resident and first-time concertgoer, wants to attend the “Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert” event. She visits denversymphony.org, navigates to the “Pops Series,” and selects the May 17 performance. She uses the interactive seating map to choose two seats in the center orchestra, row H. After logging into her newly created account, she completes the purchase using her Apple Pay account. She receives her digital tickets via email and adds them to her Apple Wallet. On the day of the concert, she takes the light rail to 14th & Curtis, arrives 50 minutes early, and enjoys the pre-concert talk about John Williams’ score. She leaves with a program book and a renewed appreciation for live orchestral music.

Example 2: Season Subscriber Rebooking a Concert

James has held a 4-concert subscription since 2022. When the 2024–2025 season is announced, he logs into his account and receives an email notifying him of his priority access window. He selects his preferred concerts: the season opener with conductor X, a Beethoven symphony cycle, a film music night, and the annual holiday performance. He exchanges one ticket for a different date using the online exchange portal—no fees apply. He prints his program book in advance and invites his daughter to join him for the holiday concert. His subscription saves him over $120 compared to buying tickets individually.

Example 3: Group Booking for a Corporate Event

A Denver-based tech company wants to host a client appreciation event at a Symphony concert. The event coordinator visits the “Group Sales” page and submits a request for 12 tickets to the “Great American Music” concert on October 12. Within 24 hours, they receive a personalized quote with a 15% discount for groups of 10+. They reserve seats in the front mezzanine, arrange for complimentary refreshments in the lobby, and receive a branded program insert with their company logo. On the night of the event, the group is greeted by a concierge and given a brief backstage tour. The clients are impressed by the attention to detail and the cultural sophistication of the experience.

FAQs

Can I buy tickets at the box office in person?

Yes, the Denver Symphony Orchestra box office at Boettcher Concert Hall is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on concert days until 30 minutes after curtain. In-person purchases are subject to availability and may not offer the same range of seating options as online booking. Cash is not accepted—only credit cards and debit cards.

What if I can’t attend a concert I’ve already booked?

Subscribers can exchange tickets for another performance in the same season at no cost, provided the request is made at least 48 hours before the original concert. Individual ticket holders may exchange tickets for a $10 fee per ticket, subject to availability. No refunds are issued for unused tickets.

Are children allowed at concerts?

Children aged six and older are welcome at most performances. For family-friendly concerts, such as “Symphony Storytime” or “Kids’ Concerts,” younger children are encouraged to attend. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. No babes-in-arms are permitted in the main concert hall.

Is there a dress code for concerts?

There is no formal dress code. Attendees wear everything from business attire to casual outfits. Many choose to dress up for special occasions, but comfort is encouraged. The hall is climate-controlled, so layering is recommended.

Can I bring food or drinks into the concert hall?

Outside food and beverages are not permitted. However, the lobby features a full bar and snack offerings, including wine, beer, coffee, and light bites. Concessions are available during intermission and before the concert begins.

Do you offer student rush tickets?

On the day of select performances, a limited number of $10 student tickets may be available for purchase at the box office with a valid student ID. Availability is first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved in advance.

How early should I arrive for a concert?

It is recommended to arrive at least 45 minutes before the start time. This allows time for parking, security screening, and enjoying pre-concert activities. Doors open 90 minutes prior to performances on most nights.

Can I take photos or record the performance?

Photography, video recording, and audio recording are strictly prohibited during performances to respect the artists and other patrons. Flash photography and cell phone use are not allowed at any time. You may take photos in the lobby before or after the concert.

Do you have a loyalty program?

Yes, the Denver Symphony Society is the orchestra’s membership and loyalty program. Benefits include discounted tickets, early access, exclusive events, and recognition in printed programs. Membership is available at multiple levels and can be renewed annually.

What happens if a concert is canceled or postponed?

In the rare event of a cancellation or postponement, ticket holders are notified via email and given the option to receive a full refund, exchange for a future date, or donate the ticket value to the orchestra. No action is required on your part unless you wish to request a refund.

Conclusion

Booking tickets for the Denver Symphony Orchestra is a rewarding process that blends convenience, artistry, and community. By following the steps outlined in this guide—visiting the official website, selecting your performance with care, leveraging membership benefits, and preparing for your visit—you ensure a seamless and enriching experience. Whether you’re attending your first concert or your fiftieth, the power of live orchestral music remains unmatched. The Denver Symphony Orchestra doesn’t just perform music; it creates moments that linger long after the final note fades. Use the tools, follow the best practices, and let your passion for music guide your choices. With every ticket you book, you’re not just gaining entry to a concert—you’re supporting the preservation and evolution of a vital cultural tradition. Plan ahead, stay informed, and let the symphony move you.