Frequently Asked Questions | Music of the Baroque

What is a subscription?
You can subscribe to all eight Music of the Baroque concert programs each season, or to a custom subscription to any three concerts or more. Purchasing single tickets costs as much as 37% more than subscribing. Subscribers receive earliest notification, as well as special offers, preferred seating and free exchange privileges. There’s no better way to enjoy fine classical music performed by professional musicians. Subscribers get the best seats at the best price, and can take advantage of a very liberal ticket exchange policy. Subscription information in available online or by calling the box office at 312.551.1414.

When do single tickets go on sale?
Single tickets for the current season can be purchased at any time. Single tickets for the upcoming season go on sale August 1.

What are the best seats?
Different people have different opinions about what are the best seats. Some prefer balcony, for instance, and others prefer main floor. Some prefer to be up close while others prefer to be further back. If you have special requests, please note them when you purchase your tickets. All of Music of the Baroque’s performance venues have wonderful acoustics that insure beautiful sound throughout.

What happens if my schedule changes and I can’t attend?
Please don't let your tickets go unused! If you're unable to attend a concert, please let us know as soon as possible. That increases the likelihood that other classical music-lovers can attend our often sold-out performances.

Subscribers unable to attend a performance can exchange their tickets for any other performance in the season for which seats are still available and, unless it's to a higher seat category, it's free. Call the box office at 312.551.1414 and have your tickets ready. Exchange requests are accepted until 5 PM on the last business day before the concert. Please note that if a performance is sold out, we may be unable to fulfill your request.

If you are unable to exchange your tickets, you may donate them for re-sale by the box office; a receipt for the value of the tickets will be provided by mail as a tax-deductible donation to Music of the Baroque. Although we appreciate donations far in advance of the concerts, we will accept returned tickets by phone as late as 15 minutes before a concert. Just leave a voicemail message at the box office (312.551.1414) with your name and seat locations—don't worry, we can retrieve it before the concert starts.

What if I lose my tickets?
If you lose your tickets, simply call the box office and new tickets will be printed and mailed to you. If it’s too late to mail tickets, they can be reissued and picked up at the performance. Even if you forget to bring your tickets to the concert, we can check our records at the box office and reissue your tickets.

GETTING THERE

When should I arrive?
Allow enough time for travel, parking, picking up or purchasing tickets, and getting into your seat before the concert is scheduled to begin. The box office opens one hour before the concert, and the concert hall doors open one half hour before the concert.

How do I get to the concert venue, and where do I park?
Public transportation, driving and parking directions are listed for all performance venues.

Can you suggest any restaurants near the venue?
Some restaurants near the venues are listed. Please allow plenty of time to enjoy your dinner in an unrushed manner before a concert.

AT THE PERFORMANCE

What happens if I’m late?
Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of management, usually at the first appropriate pause in the program. The seating break for some performances may not occur until intermission.

Are seats reserved?
Yes, all seats—even those in churches—are numbered and reserved.

How do I find my seats?
Ushers will assist you in finding your seats.

What if I’m in a wheelchair or need special accommodations?
All Music of the Baroque venues are accessible. As facilities vary from location to location, please request assistance from the box office when ordering to ensure the most comfortable seating.

May I leave my cell phone on in case someone needs to reach me?
Out of respect for the audience and performers, all electronic devices with ringers or alarms must be turned off.

When should I applaud?
Many classical works have three or more movements or sections. Applause is customary after the completion of the last movement of each work.

Where are restrooms and telephones?
Locations of restrooms and telephones are listed on the last page of concert program books.

How long is a typical concert?
Most Music of the Baroque concerts are approximately two hours in length, including a 15-minute intermission. Concerts containing a single work may be performed without intermission.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Where do you perform?
Music of the Baroque performs primarily in at the Harris Theater in Millennium Park and at First United Methodist Church in Evanston. Holiday concerts are performed in several city and suburban churches. Click here for additional information about performance venues.

How can I get a brochure describing the concert season?
You can receive a Music of the Baroque brochure in several ways:

Request a brochure online.
Call our box office at 312.551.1414.
Fax your request to 312.551.1444.

What are your box office hours?
Music of the Baroque’s box office (312.551.1414) is open 10 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday.

May I bring my child?
Children eight years old or older are welcome at Music of the Baroque concerts.

Do you play only baroque music?
Most of the music performed by Music of the Baroque was written during the Baroque and early Classical eras; however, earlier works and later music are also programmed.

How can I learn more about the music before going to the concert?
Most of the music performed at Music of the Baroque concerts is available on commercial recordings. Concert program notes are typically posted on this website at least one week before the concert. Pre-concert lectures, when offered, are a good way to make a concert more meaningful. For general information about baroque music and the baroque period, click here.