Richmond Symphony

"A very disappointing experience. First and foremost, the Richmond Symphony allows children of all ages to attend, including babes in arms. As a result, despite sitting in premium priced seats in the center mezzanine, we were subjected to listening to a small child/infant somewhere behind us scream and cry out repeatedly throughout the duration of the performance. As we were exiting after the performance, I did see a mother with a baby in her arms. In addition, an adult patron sitting in front of us in the center mezzanine TALKED to her companion DURING THE PERFORMANCE no less than five times at my count. Do Richmonders not know proper etiquette at the symphony? As a former season ticket holder in a large city, I have attended the symphony countless times in my lifetime. I have never, however, experienced what I experienced at the Richmond Symphony. Unfortunately, it marred the performance. To the extent I was contemplating purchasing season tickets, I am no longer doing so. In fact, I am in no rush to return this season at all. As an aside, the parking situation is poorly managed. Approximately 90 minutes before the performance, several of us were turned away from a nearly empty parking lot directly across from the theater by the attendant. Upon entering the lot, he informed us that all of the spots were prepaid. He then direct us to drive around the lot and exit. When we asked him where we CAN park, he literally responded, "I can't help you with that." I followed several other cars down the block to enter a parking structure only to discover that it was for monthly parking only. At that point, other symphony patrons in their cars asked me for help finding a parking location. So we all drove farther away from the theater before finding a parking structure that would allow us to park. As we were paying, the attendant informed us that the structure would be closed at 5:30. I pointed out that the performance was scheduled to go until 5:00 and that I suspected some patrons could not make it back to the parking structure by 5:30. He disputed when the performance would end, saying the performance would end at 4:30. He simply was wrong about that. Thus, the parking situation is far from ideal and is very poorly coordinated. All in all, not at all what I expected when attending the Richmond Symphony."

"Performance was great. Mic issues on the stage should be addressed by tech crew. Great venue and superb musicians and conductor and soloist and dancers! Theater was whimsical and repertoire very inspiring."

"I attended an outdoor concert in the community with my dog, and we both had an amazing experience! The music was beautifully performed, the venue was nice and clean, and the community as a whole enjoyed every minute. The only thing I wish was different was the length, I could have listened to the Richmond Symphony play for hours and hours! Thank you for having outdoor concerts, and I’m looking forward to more events! I especially appreciate the free and widely accessible concerts, everyone can use some classical music in their life!"

"One of the best forms of entertainment in Richmond. Each time you go is different and magical. Sometimes they play in smaller sessions while others may have the full symphony, chorus and several times a year they parter with the Opera and ballet to make sure you are never left wanting. I have been an avid supporter of the Richmond Symphony since I first picked up an instrument in the 5th grade and I hope you take sometime to discover why it's such a special place in Richmond for yourself! Never underestimate the power of the arts for a community."