Frequently Asked Questions

Visit the Tickets page of the PSO website to learn more about pricing for individual PSO concerts, then contact the Showplace Performance Centre Box Office to purchase your tickets. Note that the Showplace Box Office is the only location to purchase single concert tickets.

We always announce when single tickets go on sale, after the subscription period.

Visit the Box Office in-person at 290 George Street North in Peterborough, or call 705-742-SHOW(7469). You can also buy tickets from the online Box Office 24/7.

If you are interested in purchasing a PSO season subscription, please contact the PSO office at 705-742-1992.

If you have purchased a PSO concert ticket, but can no longer attend the show, consider passing your ticket along to a friend or family member you would like to introduce to the PSO.

You may also send your ticket back to us and we’ll pass them on to a local charity.

Bus stops, on-street parking and parking lots are available in close proximity to Showplace Performance Centre.

There is accessible seating at Showplace, just off of the ground floor lobby on the main floor seating area. A lobby elevator gives access to the Nexicom Studio, below the theatre.

If you have any questions or concerns about accessibility at our venue, please contact us.

Traffic, weather and parking may affect your travel and arrival to the venue. If you do arrive late to a PSO concert, or if you have to leave the theatre during a performance, you will be admitted to the theatre during a suitable break in the performance. This will limit distraction for audience members and the musicians.

The venue’s front of house staff and ushers will be aware of the concert’s program schedule and can advise you on when the next break in performance will occur.

Concerts typically last two hours, with a 15-minute intermission.

Our Main Series concerts of the PSO season (excludes the December holiday concert) feature “Meet the Maestro”, a pre-concert talk from PSO Music Director & Conductor, Michael Newnham.

Doors open to audience members at 6:30 pm and Maestro Newnham takes the stage at 6:40 pm for a 20-30 minute ‘behind-the-music chat’ about the evening’s program. “Meet the Maestro” is free for all ticket holders.

With his characteristic enthusiasm and energy, and using musical excerpts, a vast historical knowledge, and stories from his personal experience, Maestro Newnham offers a unique chance for audience members to learn more about the music they will experience during the concert.

After “Meet the Maestro”, audience members will have time to read the program notes, relax, talk with friends, or visit the lobby bar before the concert begins at 7:30 pm. Ushers and front of house staff will let you know when the concert is about to begin.em description

Due to the continuity of the music, today’s orchestra audiences tend to hold their applause until the end of an entire piece.

Some audience members will be moved to show their appreciation by clapping after a movement (large sections of music) within the piece, and this is okay too.

You’ll know it’s the end of a piece when the conductor lowers his or her arms and turns towards the audience.

Pieces and their movements are also listed in the house program, so that you can follow along.

Some PSO programs, such as the December holiday concert, are more geared to families, but children are welcome at all PSO concerts with ticket purchase and adult accompaniment.

While we recommend children in attendance are at least 10 years of age, or 5 years of age at the holiday concert, this is left to the discretion of parents and guardians.

We ask that if your child is being disruptive during a concert, please accompany them out of the theatre – you can always go back in once your child has settled down – you’ll be re-admitted during a break in the performance

You are welcome to take still photos without flash before and after the concert, or during intermission. We encourage you to do so and post them to social media if you like. We love to see our audience members enjoying their experience with friends and family.

However, the use of handheld devices such as mobile phones, cameras, tablets and pagers is not permitted in the theatre during PSO concerts, nor is video or flash photography.

You may notice our official professional photographer discreetly taking photos for us before, during and after a concert.

We encourage you to attend the lobby or post-concert reception to have your photo taken or take selfies when mingling with other audience members, musicians and supporters.

The PSO concert reception takes place immediately after the concert, in the Nexicom Studio.

Receptions are organized by a PSO volunteer and offer a chance for audience members, guest artists, musicians, staff, board members, volunteers and supporters to celebrate together after a performance. Light snacks, tea and coffee are served.

The Nexicom Studio bar is open for the purchase of beverages.The PSO concert reception takes place immediately after the concert, in the Nexicom Studio.tem description

Your complimentary house program includes information about the season’s concerts and a particular concert’s program, including detailed notes on some of the featured pieces.

You’ll also find biographies of our guest artists and conductor, and listings of the musicians on stage and the staff, board members and volunteers who help create your PSO experience.

The house program also contains advertisements from businesses and organizations in the community that support the PSO.

Some people love to dress up for a symphony concert. Some people want to “come as they are.”

All are welcome!

A ticket to a concert at Showplace Performance Centre guarantees you a specific numbered seat on the main floor or in the balcony.

Concessions are available in the main lobby. Patrons are permitted to bring drinks to their seats.

As a COVID precaution, please do not attend if you have any symptoms, including cough or fever.