Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome. Whether this is your first concert or your fiftieth, we want you to feel at home. If you don't find your answer here, please reach out to us. We're happy to help first-time concertgoers with any questions.
Quick Links to FAQ Topics:
Tickets
How do I buy tickets?
You can buy tickets online through our official ticketing site at www.wvsaz.org/tickets. Please buy tickets in advance; we do not sell them at the door. Our venues no longer have box offices for in-person purchases.
How much are tickets? Are there extra fees?
Adult ticket prices range from $40.00 to $56.00, depending on the concert, seat selection, and seat location. Prices include all fees and are shown on the ticket site when you choose a seat. Youth tickets for those 18 or younger range from $18.00 to $22.00.
Do you offer discounts?
We offer discounts for those who are 18 or younger.
How will I receive my tickets?
We email tickets to you within minutes of purchase. You can add them to your cell phone’s electronic wallet or print them at home. If you can't find your confirmation email, check your spam or promotions folder first. Tickets are not available for sale at the door and should be purchased in advance.
I lost my tickets, or never got my email. What should I do?
Don't worry. Contact us at [email protected] with the name on the order, and we'll resend your tickets. Because we keep a record of every purchase made through our official ticketing site, we can help you find your order. We do not store credit card numbers in our system.
Can I get a refund or exchange my tickets?
All ticket sales are final and not refundable. West Valley Symphony Society supporters at the Overture Circle level or higher can request complimentary ticket exchanges.
I can't attend. Can I donate my tickets?
Yes. If you let us know at least 24 hours before the concert, we can release your seats to another music lover and send you a receipt for a tax-deductible donation for the tickets' value.
Can I buy tickets from a resale website?
Please buy only from West Valley Symphony through our official ticketing site. We can't verify, replace, or help with tickets bought from third-party resellers, and those tickets may be overpriced, invalid, or already used.
Does my child need a ticket?
Yes. Everyone attending needs a ticket, regardless of age. We do offer discounted tickets for those 18 years or younger.
Venues
Where do you perform?
This season we perform in two venues:
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Hilltop Theatre and Concert Hall, 5356 N Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park, AZ. Our new home is a 750-seat, state-of-the-art hall that's part of the Hilltop School for the Arts in the Agua Fria Union High School District. It has a proscenium stage and an elegant lounge with more than 200 seats.
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Vista Center for the Arts, 15660 N Parkview Pl, Surprise, AZ. A spacious theater with more than 1,000 seats, part of the Dysart Unified School District.
Please check your ticket for the correct venue.
Where do I park? Is it free?
Because the Hilltop is brand new, we recommend allowing extra time on your first visit to find parking and the entrance. The Hilltop entrance is adjacent to the Litchfield Park Public Library at a traffic circle on N. Litchfield Rd. We will have golf carts in our parking areas to shuttle concertgoers who require assistance. Parking is free at both locations.
Is there food or drink?
At Hilltop, refreshments are available in the Chandelier Lounge before and after the concert. At Vista, refreshments are not currently available. Food and drink are not permitted in the theatres, except a closed container with water.
Is the venue accessible?
Both venues offer wheelchair-accessible seating with companion seats, accessible restrooms, and accessible parking. Please choose wheelchair seating when you buy your tickets, or contact us at [email protected] and we'll help you find the best seats for your needs.
Some seating areas at the Hilltop require stairs — we have noted those sections on our ticket seating map when purchasing tickets.
Before the Concert
I've never been to an orchestra concert before. What should I expect?
Expect to enjoy yourself. You don't need to know anything about classical music to love a concert. Watch the musicians and the Maestro work together, follow the tunes and rhythms, and notice how the music ebbs and flows.
What should I wear?
There is no dress code. Most people wear business casual or slightly dressy casual clothes, from khakis to suits and ties, but wear whatever makes you comfortable. For The Music of Star Wars, costumes and fan gear are welcome. Concert halls can feel cool, so bring a light sweater or wrap. Please remember that strong perfume and cologne can bother neighbors with allergies.
When should I arrive?
Plan to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before the concert. That leaves time to park, find your seat, silence your phone, take in the atmosphere, and look through the program. Doors to the lobbies generally open 45-60 minutes before the concert, and doors to the theatre generally open about 30-40 minutes before the show.
What happens if I arrive late?
Concerts begin on time. If you arrive late, ushers will seat you at a suitable pause in the program, chosen by house management. You may be seated nearby until intermission, so you don't disturb other patrons. Some works can't be interrupted, so late seating isn't always possible before intermission.
How long is the concert?
Most concerts last 90 minutes to two hours, including a 20-minute intermission.
Are children welcome?
A live performance requires sitting quietly for a while, so it may not suit every child at every age. If this is your child's first concert, The Music of Star Wars on October 18 is a perfect choice for young listeners. If you're bringing a little one, consider aisle seats so you can step out easily if needed.
Do I need to read up on the music first?
No, but a little preparation can add to the fun. Listening to a piece on the program ahead of time helps you recognize it in the hall, and the program book will tell you about each work.
When should I clap?
Audiences usually hold applause until a full piece is finished. Many works have several movements separated by brief silences, which can be confusing. A good tip: watch the conductor. When the Maestro lowers their arms and turns to face the audience, the piece is over.
Watching your neighbors works too. And if you clap at the "wrong" moment, don't worry. The Maestro and musicians appreciate your enthusiasm. At pops and film concerts, the mood is more relaxed, and applause is welcome throughout.
Can I leave during the performance?
Yes, if you need to. Please wait for a pause between pieces if you can and know that re-entry will be at a natural break in the music.
Can I take photos or video?
Photos are welcome before the concert, during intermission, and afterward. Photography and recording are not permitted during the performance. We'd love for you to share your photos and tag us on social media.
What should I do with my phone?
Please silence it and put it away before the music begins. Even a dimmed screen can distract the people around you.
Any other tips for being a good neighbor?
If you have a cough, unwrap cough drops before the concert begins; wrappers are louder than you'd think. Save conversations for intermission, and keep bags and coats under your seat.
Supporting the Symphony
Why does the Symphony need donations?
Ticket sales cover only about half of what it costs to bring you each concert. Gifts from people like you make up the rest and keep live orchestral music thriving in the West Valley.
How can I help?
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Buy an extra ticket and bring someone who has never heard a live orchestra.
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Donate, or double it through your employer's matching gift program.
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Give in honor or in memory of someone special.
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Include the Symphony in your estate plans with a planned or legacy gift.
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Become a Concert Sponsor, Guest Artist Sponsor, or Principal Chair Sponsor.
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Volunteer as an usher or event helper.
Is my gift tax-deductible?
West Valley Symphony is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your gift is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. EIN: 23-7041526. You'll receive a receipt for your records.
How do I make a gift?
Donate online at wvsaz.org/donate, or mail a check to West Valley Symphony, PO Box 7328, Surprise, AZ 85374-7328.
Staying in Touch
What happens if a concert is canceled or postponed?
In the rare event of a change, we'll contact ticket holders by email [and phone] and post updates on our website and social media.
Who do I contact with questions?
Email your questions to [email protected]. Or mail them to West Valley Symphony, PO Box 7328, Surprise, AZ 85374-7328.