Whether you’re attending your first NY Phil performance, or you’ve been attending for years, here are the answers to the questions we’re asked most often. If you still have questions, feel free to contact our Customer Relations team at (212) 875-5656 or customerservice@nyphil.org.

Tickets and Subscriptions 

  • What is the difference between Curated and Create Your Own Series?
    Our Curated Series are organized by day of the week and time and have been expertly tailored to offer you the perfect mix of artists and repertoire. Curated subscribers get first access to seating options and enjoy the same seats throughout the season plus other great benefits.

    Our Create Your Own Series allows you to pick and choose the dates that fit your schedule. You are seated ahead of the public, and there are no fees if you need to exchange your ticket plus other benefits.
  • What are Add-On tickets?
    Subscribers can order additional individual tickets to subscriptions concerts at the discounted subscription rate all season long, even after single tickets go on sale to the public. Subscribers also have first access to add on special events such as galas, holiday concerts, and our annual film concert series, The Art of the Score. 
  • How do eTickets work?
    It’s fast, simple, and convenient!

    During the checkout process, choose e-Tickets as your delivery method. You may then access your tickets by visiting the Upcoming Events page of your account and clicking View Tickets. You may then print your tickets or save the e-Tickets directly to your smartphone. Either way, your tickets will be scanned at the gate for entry to the event.  
  • What if I did not receive my confirmation email or e-Tickets?
    Please confirm it wasn’t caught in your spam filter. Our confirmation emails and e-Tickets are sent from customerservice@nyphil.org. If you did not receive your tickets, please contact us so we can help you with your order.
  • What if dates, artists, or programs change?

    Occasionally there are unavoidable changes to the originally announced concert date, guest artist, or program, and we strive to notify you via email when this happens. Your tickets for such concerts are valid regardless of the change and are not refundable. 

  • What if I’m unable to attend a concert?
    You can exchange your tickets, donate them back to the Philharmonic for resale, or transfer your tickets to a friend.

    Exchange Online, In Person, or Over the Phone: To exchange online, log into your account, select My Upcoming Events, and click the Exchange icon below the tickets your wish to exchange. Follow the steps to select the seats you would like to exchange into and check out. To exchange in person, please visit David Geffen Hall.

    Subscribers can exchange tickets over the phone by calling (212) 875-5656. Phone exchanges require the ticket number and authorization number found on the ticket.

    All exchanges must be completed at least two hours before the scheduled concert time.

    Give Your Tickets to a Friend: Call (212) 875-5656 or email customerservice@nyphil.org at least two hours before the concert time to have the tickets transferred to your friend’s name and held at Will Call. E-tickets can be forwarded to your friend and do not require them to access your account.

    Donate Your Tickets: This qualifies as a tax-deductible contribution to the New York Philharmonic. To donate online, log into your account, select My Upcoming Events, and click the Donate icon below the tickets your wish to exchange. A tax-acknowledgement will be sent to you within two weeks of the concert passing.

    Everyone can donate tickets over the phone by calling (212) 875-5656. Phone donations require the ticket number and authorization number found on the ticket.  
  • What is your exchange policy?
    We are unable to exchange tickets from past-dated concerts. There are no exceptions. 

    If you are exchanging into a more expensive section or concert, you will be charged the difference in price. Any special offers used for the initial purchase will not apply.

    If you are exchanging into a less expensive seating section, you will accrue a ticket exchange credit. Tickets cannot be exchanged into future seasons and the ticket exchange credit will expire at the end of the season. It will not be refunded. You may donate your ticket exchange credit toward a membership.

    Exchanges can be made on this website by logging into My Account and visiting your “Upcoming Events” page, or by calling the Customer Relations team at (212) 875-5656. A $10 per ticket exchange fee is applied to all single ticket exchanges. Non-subscription tickets must be exchanged online or in person at the David Geffen Hall Welcome Center; they are not eligible to be exchanged over the phone.

    Please visit nyphil.org/ticketinfo for additional details about our exchange policy.
 

Venues and Accessibility 

 

Concert Experience

  • What kind of music does the NY Phil play?
    The New York Philharmonic is a symphony orchestra and plays music from well-known classical composers (think Beethoven, Mozart) as well music by composers writing today. A lot of orchestral music is written as either a symphony or a concerto and is meant to be a purely musical experience. Others draw inspiration from literature and tell a story like Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun or St. Matthew Passion. Our Art of the Score series features the NY Phil playing movie scores live to picture on the big screen.

    In addition to orchestral concerts, the NY Phil showcases soloists and small ensemble performances through our Artist Spotlight and NY Phil @ Noonseries.
  • Who are the musicians in the NY Phil?
    There are over 100 musicians in the NY Phil who play in four sections: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The instruments featured in each section include:

    Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass
    Woodwinds: Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, English horn
    Brass: Trumpet, Trombone, French horn, Tuba
    Percussion: Timpani, Harp, Xylophone

    Jaap van Zweden is our music director which means he is the primary conductor and artistic leader of the NY Phil. Several performances are led by guest conductors, who visit for a period and collaborate with the orchestra to bring in their unique musical perspective. Many concerts also feature guest artists who perform accompanied by the orchestra.
  • Do I need to know the music before I attend a concert?
    No! One of the great joys of going to a concert is being introduced to a great piece of music you've never heard before. Although many audience members realize they recognize parts of some pieces as many great classical works are often featured in movies, television shows and commercials.

    Some audience members find it enhances their enjoyment if they read the Program Notes about the composers and pieces to be played before attending. We post each concert’s Program Notes two weeks prior to the performance and the notes are included in the Playbill.
  • When should I arrive? What if I arrive late?

    We suggest you arrive 30 minutes before the concert is scheduled to begin. That will give you ample time to find your seat, relax, read the Program Notes, and watch the musicians as they take the stage. New York Philharmonic concerts begin promptly at the announced starting time. In consideration of the performers and fellow concertgoers, we ask that you remain in your seat until the concert has ended.

    Concerts begin promptly at the announced starting time. Latecomers and those who leave the hall before or during a work will only be seated if there are appropriate breaks in the program.

  • What should I wear?
    We encourage you to come as yourself in a style of your choice—there is no right way to enjoy the NY Phil! Formal dress – evening gowns and tuxedos – are generally only worn to gala events such as Lunar New Year or the Spring Gala.
  • What is your food and beverage policy?

    An onsite restaurant and café will open at the newly reimagined David Geffen Hall. More information will be provided in the coming year. No outside food or beverages will be permitted.

  • When do I applaud?
    You should applaud to welcome the conductor and any featured artists onstage, and then whenever an entire piece is finished. Some pieces may have several sections, or movements, separated by a brief silent pause, and it is traditional not to clap in between them. If you’re unsure, wait until you hear many others applaud and then join in!
  • Can I bring my cell phone or camera?

    Yes, cell phones and cameras are allowed. However, we require that you turn off all electronic devices before the performance begins.

    Audience members may take photographs before and after the concert, as well as during intermission and applause. No photography or recording of any kind is permitted during the performance. Anyone seen using a camera, smart phone, or other device for these activities will be asked to leave.     

  • What is your policy on bringing young children?

    Children ages 5 and up are welcome to attend all NY Phil concerts. Our Young People’s Concerts are specifically designed to delight children ages 6–12 and their families.

  • How can I learn more?

    The Program Notes for each concert are posted on the New York Philharmonic website before the concert date. These notes will have information about the composer(s) and piece(s) to be played. Audio samples are also available for selected works in the concert calendar.

    Kids of all ages will enjoy learning about the orchestra on our Learning @ Home page.

    You can also sign up for our newsletters to stay up-to-date on all the events and activities happening at the NY Phil.