Welcome to your First Time Guide! If you’re reading this page, that means you’re hopefully joining us soon for a concert, hooray!


We know that those who are newer to classical music and/or orchestra concerts might have a lot of questions! It’s important to us that every new attendee feel comfortable and have a great experience because we want you to keep coming and soaking up the magic that is live orchestral music. So, we’ve compiled a list of common questions and answers for you to reference before your first concert.

Have a question that’s not answered here? Send us a message on Facebook or  Instagram, or email us at info@flagstaffsymphony.org.

Where are the concerts held?

The Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra performs in Ardrey Memorial Auditorium, a 1,330-seat venue on NAU Campus (1115 S Knoles Dr.)

Learn more about parking and how to get to Ardrey Auditorium!

How much do tickets cost?

Regular ticket prices range from $30 – $82 and are determined by your seat within the auditorium. To view the seating chart with pricing in our Season 76 brochure, click here.

Below are the discounts that we offer (prices include CTO fees):

Seniors (65+, available the week of the performance): $21 – $54

Military and teacher (must present ID): $26 – $70

Junior (12 and under): $14.50

Group discount (10+): $21/ticket

Students 13 and older (must present ID): $12.50

Other ways to save:

Becoming a subscriber is the most cost-effective and convenient way to see all of the symphony concerts that excite you this season!

The exclusive benefits offered to subscribers are:

  • 15% savings on Full Season, Choose 4, or Choose 3 Masterworks Packages.
  • 15% off all tickets to our Special Add-On Concert, The Nutcracker Ballet (evenings only).
  • Keep your seats! Returning subscribers can renew their same seats through August 1, and secure priority access for next year, too!
  • Pick your performances. Choose the concerts that fit your schedule.
  • Add more at your discount. Enjoy your subscriber rate on any additional tickets all season long.
  • Priority access before tickets go on sale to the public

Concert Packages
Full Season 5 Masterworks Concerts Package
Choose 4 Masterworks Concerts Package
Choose 3 Masterworks Concerts Package

Download our season brochure for subscription pricing.

Where do I buy tickets?

You can read about each concert and click to buy tickets at flagstaffsymphony.org/events. You can also purchase from the NAU Central Ticketing website or by calling (928)523-5661.

What do I wear?

We want you to be comfortable when you join us for a concert, so dress in a way that works for you. If you love dressing up and going out, go for it! You will not be the only one.  If you prefer to be more casual, then you probably won’t be the only one dressed casually, either. Flagstaff audiences wear a range of casual to elegant attire and all are welcome.

What time should I arrive?

The evening performances begin at 7:30pm.

The pre-concert receptions are from 6pm – 7:25pm in the Kitt Recital Hall Atrium. There, you can enjoy a glass of beer or wine before the concert begins, have some light snacks, and engage with the fellow concert goers and musicians. At 6:30pm before the concerts, you are invited to attend the pre-talk concert talk by FSO conductor Charles Latshaw in Ardrey Auditorium to learn about the music being performed and hear from guest artists.

We recommend allowing plenty of time to park and get to your seat. If you’re late, you’ll be allowed in at a suitable break in the program.

How long is a concert?

A typical performance usually lasts around two hours and includes a brief intermission. You’ll know intermission is over when you hear an announcement alerting you to return to your seat.

How can I learn about the music?

By attending the concert, you will learn a bit about each piece in the program book handed out to you on your way into the auditorium!

For a deeper dive, we recommend attending the pre-concert talk. The pre-concert talk with Music Director Charles Latshaw starts one hour before the performance. This is free to concert attendees and lasts about 30 minutes, giving you 30 minutes between the talk and the concert to get a drink, use the restroom, and mingle!

During the talk, Charles covers topics such as why he programmed the particular pieces for that concert, things you should listen for during the performance, and information about the composer. Often, the soloist performing that date will join the talk for all or part, so you get to hear first-hand from the amazing artist you’re going to see later in the evening.

When can I come and go?

If you have to use the restroom or need to leave the auditorium for any reason, as a courtesy to the orchestra and other audience members, come and go in between pieces. Hint: Wait for the clapping.

Will there be wine or other alcoholic beverages?

Yes, there will be wine and beer available for purchase from the cash bar in the Kitt Recital Hall Atrium. However, food and drink are not allowed in the auditorium, so please leave time to finish your beverage before finding your seat.