Went for the Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky concert, my first symphony. I didn't do much research into the actual music itinerary, so I was sad to not hear the classics (Swan Lake, Cinderella, or Romeo and Juliet), but they were absolutely perfect and it was so beautiful. They don't enforce dress codes but everyone came nicely dressed anyway, so it's a nice, comfortable setting for those who stress about dress code. There are plenty of places to get decent priced alcohol and espresso. Some snacks are available, but they aren't allowed in the main hall. There is a bag size policy that applies to non-seethrough bags, so be aware of that. Our bag was less than half an inch bigger than the limit and they were pretty set on denying entry. I didn't see it in the FAQs for dress code, but maybe I was looking in the wrong place so that's on me. Highly recommend, they were beautiful. read more

Phoenix Symphony - Filled hall at intermission during concert - Performing Arts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I have been to the Phoenix Symphony on three occasions: once for a Dia de Los Muertos performance, once for a Rick Steves performance, and once for a How to Drain Your Dragon in concert performance. Overall it's a great experience---here are the pros and cons. (1) The venue: Symphony Hall is a beautiful venue. The lobby area has an assortment of food (with the offerings being on the lighter side) and beverage options. There are some beautiful chandeliers. And some art. There are complimentary water stations. The bathroom are well maintained. The venue hall itself is also nice, though the seats are a little tight in terms of space. It's a pretty large venue so there's both seating on the ground level (orchestra) and the balcony. (2) The price: All three times I've been (both matinee and evening sessions on the weekend), the prices have been affordable. Which is always appreciated, because sometimes, some venues will charge you an arm and a leg to enjoy the arts (which I'm wholeheartedly against, both for my pocket book and at a societal level). (3) The parking: this is the biggest con in my mind. The Phoenix Symphony is located downtown. You can overpay for a garage. Or you can pay for metered parking (where you have to pay until 10 p.m.). Regardless of the option you choose, parking is a hassle. Stand Up Live, which is also located downtown, validates your parking (which is a big plus). Phoenix Symphony does not. Despite the difficulty with parking, the Phoenix Symphony is Phoenix's premier destination to enjoy symphony performances. They have a whole host of different performances, from classic to modern (where movies are the inspiration). read more

My girlfriends and I have a tradition of taking our daughters to see The Nutcracker every year. Over the years, we've seen it several times at the Orpheum and also at Arizona Financial Theatre, but this was our first time experiencing it at Phoenix Symphony Hall. The venue itself was lovely and felt very festive, especially with the large Christmas tree welcoming you as you entered the lobby. According to the ticket information, concessions were available, though food wasn't allowed at your seats. Unfortunately, the only food option offered was cookies. The girls were hoping for a few more candy-style snack options to enjoy during intermission, so that was a bummer. We ordered drinks when we first arrived, and the staff member helping us suggested ordering our intermission drinks at the same time so they'd be ready for pickup later--such a smart idea. We did exactly that, and it saved us a lot of time. Restroom lines were long during intermission, so being able to walk up and grab a pre-paid glass of wine without waiting in another line was a huge plus and made it easy to relax and enjoy the start of the second act. Seeing The Nutcracker performed with a live orchestra was very cool and added an extra layer of magic to the experience. The ballet itself was wonderful, as always, and made for a special holiday tradition. read more

Phoenix Symphony - Performing Arts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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I came here with my family for the holiday pops concert this weekend, and it was amazing! The decorations were beautiful, the lighting for the concert was festive, and the two solos were incredible. I've always enjoyed the shows at the symphony, can't wait to go again! read more

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This is a classy venue that we always enjoy. We've been here many times and always have a great time. They do have a change in policy. They have metal detectors and big purses are not allowed anymore but they let my wife through which was very nice. Last Friday we went to watch Tribute to Tina Turner and it was amazing. The singers were very entertaining as was the orchestra. You can also get drinks at three different serving stations and they even have water stations. We parked across the street at the Regency for only $20. It was a very enjoyable evening and we'll be back! read more

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Attended for the Beyonce x Beethoven concert and it was phenomenal. I had the absolute best time and it was such a fun, unique experience. The crowd was diverse from little ones to those with decades and decades of experience in this life. Had second row seats which were fab, but I think the show would have been so fun from the second level too. I will be coming back read more

Phoenix Symphony - Performing Arts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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I've been here many times and always have amazing musical experiences but last night's performance was my all time favorite- The Ultimate ABBA Tribute!! The Finland a cappella ensemble Rajaton's performance was just breathtaking and so entertaining. They are an amazingly talented group and I'm so happy I was able to attend their show. The Conductor Stuart Chafetz is very engaging and flamboyant. He is a great entertainer. Of course the symphony always does a tremendous job. I love this venue, I don't think there's a bad seat and they even had complementary water stations which is very nice. Only downside is having to pay $40 for parking but the show was so good that I didn't even mind. I was singing The Dancing Queen long after the performance was over. read more

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We came here to see the nut cracker and had a great experience. Didn't get to really utilize the amnesties associated with the building. There was a 20 minute long intermission where lines for bathrooms were crazy. The show was phenomenal and well worth the money. It was somewhat confusing navigating where the different areas were but thankfully numerous workers were near to aid. Brochures about the show were handed out as well which was nice. Seating wasn't too tight of a fit and I feel as though all seats provide an excellent view of stage. We were sat in area 12, row 9. Acoustics were great for the orchestra! read more

Phoenix Symphony - Performing Arts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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We came for the "Prohibition: The Music of Moulin Rouge, Boardwalk Empire and More!" This was the orchestra plus theatrical acts throughout the show with a presentation on a large screen of historical photos and information throughout the time period 1920 to 1933. Our favorite parts were "La Vie en Rose" which Myra Maud (Paris Conservatory) did, and "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime" which John Riesen did. Very high energy songs with highs and lows perfomed very well by both the orchestra and the singers. Had the French 75 (about $13) before the show, and you can prepay for another one for intermission too, which will be ready for you with your name on it. I liked this service! Our seats were close to the stage and each $85. So not bad at all. For parking, there is the garage across the street for $15 (usually half empty), or valet at the Hyatt also across the street for $20. If you go further North (same block as Symphony Hall) is another garage but it gets full fast so come early for that one. read more

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Attended one of the performances on Friday Oct. 3 at the Symphony Hall, and was appalled by the lack of training of some of the ushers (e.g. Lori). Not only was she loud and lacked etiquette, she even attempted to forcefully grab my phone from my hand, when I was checking the time on the phone, which caused quite a scene during the live performance. She claimed that I was recording with the phone, an unrealistic accusation for the digital media age while recordings from world renowned elite orchestras are all over the internet. WHY would anyone bother using a phone to record a local performance?  She should have first checked the fact and then either whispered or gestured politely, if that had been indeed the case.  Will think twice to attend their next performance, because of those volunteer "ushers". read more

Wow! What an amazing show! My partner and I bought tickets to the Final Fantasy: Distant Worlds at the Phoenix Symphony on a Thursday evening from 8:00 - 10:00 P.M. Parking was a little tough since it's one way streets in Phoenix, downtown. We ended up parking at the Regency parking. The elevator was out of service, and we had parked at level 5. The Symphony hall was right across from the parking garage. It took about 30 minutes to exit the parking garage at the end of the symphony. The venue was beautiful. The architecture is quite unique. Once you get into the main hall, there are plenty of snack and drink locations. For the symphony we saw, there was even a merchandise station! There wasn't a bad seat inside the Symphony. We ended up sitting in Orchestra 10 (19,17,18) at the front of the symphony in the middle of the venue. The symphony and chorus was outstanding! It's great that Phoenix has a professional orchestra! I would come back here again! read more

Phoenix Symphony - Performing Arts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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We enjoyed the nutcracker over the holidays. Great staff. We had to call prior for some questions and everyone we delt with was helpful and friendly. read more

Talk about a night to remember! Thoroughly enjoyed myself at the Phoenix Symphony for the Grand Finale performance. The masterful violinist Gil Shaham's performance of the Brahms Violin Concerto was spectacular!! KEVIN SCOTT Fanfare G.A.F.: An American Overture. LEONARD BERNSTEIN Chichester Psalms for Chorus & Orchestra. JOHANNES BRAHMS Concerto in D Major for Violin & Orchestra, Op. 77 The venue was absolutely gorgeous with convenient garage parking directly across the street. Seating was very easy to find and the cleanliness was impeccable. I loved how attentive the symphony staff was in assisting everyone in locating their seating. Lovely performance at a lovely venue!! read more

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What an amazing night with wonderful friends at Beatles Reimagined! We had such an incredible symphony and the vocalists were spectacular. If you are local or visiting the area, you can't miss a performance at the Phoenix Symphony. It is a large facility and parking might be a challenge if the closeby garage is full but it is well worth it. The talent is extraordinary; you will never be disappointed. Make sure during this holiday season to visit this location. read more

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We have been to the Phoenix Symphony now for almost 3 years in a row buying at least eight or so concerts. Many have been in the pops series. We have found Symphony to be of solid quality. Acoustics are pretty good although I think they could be better as I used to spend fair amount of time in Orange County, California, listening to the Pacific Symphony at the Segerstrom hall. By comparison those acoustics and perhaps the symphony seemed a little bit stronger. Nevertheless, I am quite pleased with all the shows that I have seen at the symphony hall and at the Orpheum theater. I think you can still get a great value here for entertainment either on the weekend at around 2 o'clock or during the week usually usually around 7 PM or 7:30 PM. read more

What a wonderful night we watched "Return of the Jedi" it was sponsored by Disney and the Symphony played along with the entire film. It was a beautiful experience. Symphony conductor was a really young guy so it was surprising to see him conducting, but he did such a great job they all did the only downfall of the evening was how uncomfortable the seats were. But it was definitely a special event. I'm looking to go again really soon. read more

Phoenix Symphony - The final bow after a beautiful evening of music! - Performing Arts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The Phoenix Symphony is one of forty major symphony orchestras in the United States, and as such, the performance quality is consistently first rate. Based on my experience, I would recommend sitting in the balcony close to the front and in the center for the best sound and visual experience. (Opera glasses are optional...) The orchestra's repertoire is consistently excellent with a mixture of Classical concerts as well as Pops concerts with major guest artists. The orchestra performs in several venues as described in the season brochure. As a 50+ year patron of The Phoenix Symphony, I would highly recommend . read more

I want to clarify what I am saying in this review. Let me start by saying that I am a child of a concert pianist and a conductor, was trained as a professional percussionist and have performed with many symphonies back east. I am a big fan of the Phoenix Symphony. I remember being favorably impressed when I arrived here from the east coast, I still am impressed. Today, however , I attended the Phoenix Symphony with Rick Steves. Before you get all crazy I am a very well travelled person who has bought Rick's guides, used them and watched many of his shows on PBS. Today's performance by the symphony with Rick Steves unfortunately did not measure up. The conductor was great the symphony played their usual best and Rick was entertaining. I however found it classless that the Symphony allowed, and that Rick went political in his commentary. I'm not against free speech, I served in the military to protect all of our rights to free speech but a major symphony concert is really not the place for that sort of thing. I hope the leadership of the Phoenix Symphony will take notice and not allow this kind of thing going forward. . read more

the matinee featuring The Planets, conducted by the a wonderful guest conductor. She gets 5 stars, the Philharmonic gets 5 stars, whoever thought it was a good idea to cover 1/2 the players (from balconey) wit a giant screen playing a worse than mediocre film that did not even match which planet on screen was up in the score, 1 star. It was so distracting from the terrific music. That should never happen again read more

I absolutely love coming to the symphony. We always have a great time and the staff is always going above and beyond to make sure you have a great time. read more

Phoenix Symphony - Performing Arts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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World class symphony and chorus! At American Lutheran Church in Sun City, Phoenix Symphony & Chorus performed Handel's Messiah. This is a holiday favorite and I thought it was great to hear sacred music performed in a worship setting. The acoustics were great. I loved the soloists with lovely voices. It had been a while since I heard a contra tenor. I look forward to attending another concert. read more

Phoenix Symphony - Phoenix Symphony and Chorus at the American Lutheran Church in Sun City. - Performing Arts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

This venue is beautiful and offers great sound for instrumental and vocal performances. It is easy to forget how fortunate we are to have a professional orchestra in our community. Parking is best right across the street from the Symphony Hall at Regency parking. read more

Phoenix Symphony - a large auditorium full of people - Performing Arts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

It was pretty good show, I really loved the big horn (can't remember what it's called)

My friends and I have enjoyed many performances in this venue. I am impressed by the elegant and contemporary design of the building, inside and out. Staff members are friendly, very helpful (especially in guiding you to your seats) and courteous. The Phoenix Symphony orchestra itself is a gem - such talented musicians under the most capable guidance of music director Tito Muñoz. I also appreciate those performances where a commentator would provide some history and background on the music to be performed; it makes for a greater appreciation of the compositions and the composers, both classical and contemporary. Also, precautionary protocols are strictly observed in light of the recent covid situation: masks are required, and entry to the building requires proof of vaccination or a negative covid test. During a November 2021 concert that we attended, there was even a station near the ticket booth where rapid-result covid testing was available for concert goers who did not bring either a vaccination card or proof of negative covid test. read more

Phoenix Symphony - Covid precautionary protocols are observed inside the building. - Performing Arts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Holiday Pops, great venue to get the holidays started. Michael Krajewski was a great conductor and very entertaining. Andrea Ross and Ron Remke were outstanding vocalists! Together with the Symphony made for a wonderful evening. read more

Phoenix Symphony - Holiday Pops - Performing Arts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I purchased tickets this morning to a show for May 17th 2024 I was given a quote and sent a confirmation receipt. So I then started to plan what I thought would be the perfect night for my husband and i. Our story is truly a fairytale love story my husband and I met 41 years ago and we reunited last year after 40 years of being separated and May 17th is not only his birthday but our anniversary of the first time seeing each other in 40 years. So needless to say May 17th at the symphony would have been absolutely awesome for us I am a big Tupac fan and he is a great classical music fan so the combination of the two I thought was meant to be. So I rented a driver to pick us up rented a hotel room and I thought everything was set. Until I got an email 3 hours later saying that the box office had messed up and sold me tickets that were not available and that they did not have any more tickets to sell me and I would have to find tickets elsewhere. I then call the box office and explain my situation and they had no sympathy at all and did not care the gentleman named Josh said to me this is what it is in a nutshell our system had not rebooted we sold you tickets that were sold to someone else and I'm sorry but there's nothing we can do about it so you need to find somewhere else to purchase tickets if they're available. I would just like to say whoever the broker is that the Phoenix symphony is using should be held accountable this purchase was put on my credit card and I also received two receipts saying that my tickets were paid for with seats and a confirmation number. So needless to say this has ruined what I thought would be a perfect night on May 17th. read more

Tranquility in its highest form. I came here for a Harry Potter symphony and was fast asleep after the first song. The seats are very comfortable and the music is so soothing. I wish I could be put to sleep like this every night. read more

This symphony is absolutely PHENOMENAL and a main reason why I love Phoenix. I deeply appreciate their music and their organization. I came to ASU from out of state in 2015 and wanted to keep up my connection to music, as a band/youth symphony kid in high school. I played in ASU ensembles for a while as a nonmajor, but my major studies and work forced me to quit, so I bought College Club season tickets to the classic series. (Attention ASU and other college students!!! They make it insanely affordable to go to the classic concerts: you can get any available ticket, some with value around $80 or $100+, for under $20 at the door--and even less if you become a member. Isn't that amazing?? Oh take the light rail :) I have heard them about ten times now, including performances of favorites by Bernstein and Tchaikovsky, lesser known or newer works, and the Bosendorfer piano competition with ASU at Mesa Arts Center. I believe their musicianship is top notch and does total justice to all the excellent selection they play. I planned an ASU event where I brought 20-odd students to the symphony, because I love it some much and it's such a great deal. They were extremely helpful accommodating our large group. And I'm a fan of their outreach program where musicians come into schools, which I learned about when I met the principal clarinetist at a high school where I was tutoring. Last thing--I just saw the Star Wars: A New Hope screening with the live orchestra playing the entire John Williams score. Best first date ever! She and I are both horn players and we were both completely blown away. Big thanks to the symphony! read more

Phoenix Symphony - A New Hope screening and performance of the whole score - Performing Arts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Classical orchestra symphony isn't big here in AZ. I bought a small weekend subscription for the 2017-2018 season which was about 7 shows. I was really impressed with the talent of the musicians and the acoustics in the Hall. I buy the cheapest seats on the orchestra level for about $19 per show, I don't believe there is a bad seat in the house. I like to attend some popular concerts as well as more technical pieces like Mahler. I was very impressed with the players execution of the piece. I look forward to the next season as they reveal more of the upcoming program. One word of caution, check if Comic-Con or something else at the convention center is going on before you drive down there. Parking may end up being more expensive than your ticket or hard to find. On those days, I recommend the Light Rail. read more

This was my second time attending a symphony performance. We were here for the Beethoven and Mozart showcase on Saturday, February 10, 2018. Symphony Hall itself is a beautiful building with easy access from the light rail and plentiful seating. I've sat in the lower level and the section behind it and both seats have been great. As someone else mentioned, "there are no bad seats in the house". The architecture of Symphony Hall is grand and is the perfect place for such culture and art. I reviewed the building prior but not the performances I've experienced. The first one was Mozart's Requiem and it was fabulous; the music transported me and I enjoyed my first symphony. This second time was different; I didn't like the musical selection as much and found myself tuning out the performance more often. It was still a great show and my dad liked it, but it wasn't my style. Tito Muñoz is a talented conductor and is well respected for his work. I love that we can ride the light rail here and save on parking, which gets busy on the weekend anyways. It takes 5 minutes to walk to and only one minute to walk back to the westbound train. I recommend everyone experience the Phoenix Symphony at least once in their lives as they have various concerts that appeal to all ages. I'd love to catch the Harry Potter performances one day. read more

I had the opportunity to experience the fully symphony perform along with a showing of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban a couple weeks ago. I have to say it was truly amazing and awe inspiring. The emotions that hearing a beautifully play piece can bring up is great. The building was great and the seats we had up in the balcony were very comfortable. I will say the screen did cover up the back part of the stage and performers so I was not able to watch them, but I could still hear them. I would have wished that all the bathrooms would have been open and in use during the event. I almost missed getting back during intermission due to the VERY long bathroom lines. But all in all I would definitely come back and visit the symphony again. read more

Phoenix Symphony - View from the balcony. - Performing Arts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Nice facility. Not a bad seat in the place. I went here to see My Fair Lady....Theater meets the symphony! What a show! There is a parking garage attached to the symphony hall. I was lucky; I found parking in front, on the road! :-) Great experience. I will definitely be back. read more

Phoenix Symphony - Set of My Fair Lady - Performing Arts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

We attended the New Year's Eve concert with Megan Hilty. Symphony Hall is an amazing venue, the orchestra is world class and the conductor was lively and quick. With all that going for it, you would think they would find someone who knows how to run a thermostat and tune the sound system. We were in the third row of the balcony. The temperature had to be 85°. Everyone was getting up to take off their jackets and fanning themselves with their programs. It was a relief to escape the heat at intermission. The orchestral pieces were wonderful but the real tragedy was the sound system. Megan Hilty is also a world class talent who deserves better. She was garbled and unintelligible as was the conductor when he spoke. No standing ovation from the sweat soaked balcony last night. read more

Attended "Best of Broadway" on November 13,2022. Very disappointing. None of the great Broadway Music produced after 1960 was played. The facility was great, our seats were good but they were playing to Octogenarians. Sure, we all know the music because of revivals and high school musicals but how can you have best of Broadway without Phantom, Les Miserables, and many others produced since 1960. The show should have been called The Best of Old Broadway. read more

I highly recommend going to the Phoenix Symphony. They have something for everyone. I'm a big move buff and my first concert was the music of John Williams. Fantastic! My second concert was Tchaikovsky's Fourth and Rachel Baron Pine. Words can not describe how great this concert was. My last concert combined so many things I love (live music, movies, and particularly Star Wars)! It was a screening of Star Wars, A New Hope with the score being performed live! It was incredible! read more

Phoenix Symphony - Star Wars Night! - Performing Arts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I attended the music of Star Wars performance last night, and I must say. I was very impressed with the acoustic and the size of this venue. An excellent place to see a show. I was fortunate enough to score a ticket close to the front, and totally enjoyed the performance. Ushers were helpful and polite. The restroom was spotless, and lines moved quickly. I'd love to see the Harry Potter Show here in October. I guess I'll have to add that to my bucket list! read more

Phoenix Symphony - Performing Arts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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If you haven't gone and experienced the Phoenix Symphony, you are missing out. I didn't even know we had this wonderful option in our city until about 4 years ago and we've become regular patrons every since. It started off as something to do on our anniversary and then it became tradition. Our daughter just started playing a musical instrument and we can't wait to take her to her first concert at Symphony Hall to show her what dedication to her gift can become. The tickets are affordable for what you witness while there. The facility is very nice and has some grand touches. I love the chandeliers! Most seats are great. Especially since the music swells throughout the whole hall. The far corner seats in the balcony can have some viewing restrictions. It's always convenient to park in the convention center garage and walk right into the building. If you get your tickets held a Will Call, the staff is always fast and polite. Everyone working the event is helpful and pleasant all the way to your seat. read more

I love the symphony! I may listen to 101.1 etc, but there is nothing like listening and watching musicians with their instruments come together making a beautiful thing! There is a nice calendar of events coming up. If you feel a need to add some culture to your life, this is a fantastic way to do so! Symphony Hall offers comfortable and clean seats. The ushers are friendly offering help finding your seating, beverage/snacks and other services that might be needed. Restrooms seem to be clean and somewhat well maintained. The acoustics are good allowing the sound to be clear and audible. I will return, hopefully soon, to hear yet another great concert. read more

We've actually seen two recent shows here...the Nightmare before Christmas and a Christmas themed cirque de soleil show. It's great that these shows are not the stereotypical stuffy symphony type shows. They encourage interaction and you can even buy and drink alcoholic beverages during the shows. How great is that! The acoustics have always impressed me but I'm no expert. The music just flows and you can feel the sense of the show. I'm really glad my wife has become such an avid symphony fan so I can appreciate it as well. read more

First time at a symphony. We watched the Phoenix Symphony perform Rogers and Hammerstein. The orchestra was in tune tonight, with several lively numbers, such as South Pacific and Oklahoma. The comic relief on stage (stage actors) had a cute schtick but it quickly got tiresome and I longed for more orchestra and less singing. read more