We Want to Support You with Answers to Your Questions
If you have questions that aren't addressed here, please contact us by email marketing@sdco.org or phone (858-350-0290).

What should I wear?
Our concertgoers wear everything from business casual to more formal attire, and it’s somewhat dependent upon the venue. For example, our Rancho Santa Fe concerts are “black-tie optional," while some, but not all, in our audiences at the downtown San Diego concerts often wear business casual attire.

Can I do anything beforehand to help me get the most out the concerts?
You can sign up to receive our Season Preview CD this year by going to our web site or calling us at 858-350-0290, ext. 6. Listening to the CD, you will hear Jung-Ho Pak explain and play some examples of the repertoire for each concert. You can also hear some snippets from that CD on our web site. In addition, check the "Concerts" section of this site and read the program notes, if they're available.

How long are the concerts?
Our concerts are approximately 90 minutes long.

How do you decide the repertoire for the programs?
Classical music is so many things, reflecting history and the panorama of life.  We have an embarrassment of riches when choosing music to present each season, and we try to create a balanced season that both seduces the imagination and richly satisfies the ear.  Our choices appeal to the broadest tastes, with an emphasis on being “audience friendly," meaning whether you're a first-time guest or a seasoned connoisseur, you're going to be very pleased.  What makes our Orchestra unique is the dramatic way we perform these wonderful masterpieces.

When do I clap?
There are two schools of thought on when it is appropriate to applaud.  The first belief is that one should not clap until the end of multi-movement works like a symphony or concerto.  The idea is that the composer wrote the piece as a single entity and that it should be enjoyed that way, not disturbing the aesthetic flow. Traditional audiences believe that this is the "proper" way. The second school of thought believes that applauding after any movement that you enjoy is less formal and is actually based in history.  Composers like Mozart wrote how audiences enthusiastically applauded after movements that they enjoyed, and the orchestra would oblige and perform them again!  Mozart was extremely pleased when this happened.

So there is no "correct" answer.  Do what makes you feel most comfortable.  For those who wish to have a "traditional" experience, we hope they understand that when people applaud after movements, it often means we have new guests coming to our concerts who are expressing what is in their hearts! 

What is a chamber orchestra?
A chamber orchestra is a small orchestra consisting of up to forty members, usually performing in a smaller venue. A chamber orchestra offers musicians and audiences the opportunity to experience classical music in a more intimate orchestra setting. Before 1800, most orchestras were of this smaller size. However, as live music became available to a larger audience, the size of the performing halls became larger and composers needed bigger sounds to fill those halls. As orchestras increased in size, they became known as "symphony orchestras.” However, even contemporary composers are writing for chamber orchestras.

Do you have tickets for students or military personnel?
Yes, we have discounts for students and military personnel at our concerts at St. Paul’s Cathedral in downtown San Diego and at the Sherwood Auditorium in La Jolla. Check "Ticketing" on this web site to find pricing discounts for specific concerts.

How do I get directions to the concerts?
Select "Concerts" on this web site, then "Concert Venues.” You will find directions and parking information for each of our concert venues.

I love the San Diego Chamber Orchestra! How do I get involved or give a gift?
Volunteers and donors are very important to the success of our Orchestra, and are considered to be key members of our Orchestra family. Check "Volunteer" under "Contact Us" on this web site for volunteer opportunities. For more information for corporate and individual donations, check those categories under "Contact Us," on this web site or contact us at ed@sdco.org or 858-350-0290, ext. 5.

Can I bring my children?
Children under seven are usually too young to attend the Classics Series of concerts because the concerts are generally too long for children. We do encourage children and their families to enjoy our special concerts for families throughout the year.

When should I arrive?
Concerts begin promptly at their scheduled time, so late arrivals will be seated at an appropriate pause in the performance. Concertgoers may come up to an hour prior to the scheduled concert time.