Atlanta Orchestras: Your Guide to Symphonic Music in the City

Atlanta has a rich, lively orchestra scene that goes far beyond a single concert hall. Whether you’re a long-time resident, a new transplant, or visiting for a weekend, you’ll find options ranging from world-class symphonic concerts to community ensembles, youth programs, and free neighborhood performances.

This guide walks you through the major orchestras in Atlanta, how to attend concerts, what to expect, and where to find opportunities for kids, students, and adult musicians.

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: The City’s Flagship Ensemble

When people say “Atlanta orchestra,” they usually mean the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO), the city’s premier professional symphony.

Location:
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Atlanta Symphony Hall at Woodruff Arts Center
1280 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone (box office): (404) 733-5000

What the ASO Does

The ASO is known for:

• Classical subscription concerts (Beethoven, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and contemporary composers)
• Pops concerts (film music, Broadway, popular artists with orchestra)
• Holiday performances (including seasonal favorites and family concerts)
• Choral concerts with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus
• Educational and family-friendly programs

Most ASO concerts take place at Atlanta Symphony Hall in Midtown, inside the Woodruff Arts Center, which also houses the High Museum of Art and Alliance Theatre.

Typical Concert Experience

If you’re attending the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for the first time, expect:

• Length: Most concerts run 2–2.5 hours, including intermission
• Dress: Ranges from business casual to dressy; jeans are common at pops and matinee concerts
• Arrival time: Aim to arrive 30–45 minutes early to park, find your seat, and settle in
• Parking: Woodruff Arts Center has an attached garage; nearby surface lots and rideshares are common options
• Seating: Balcony, orchestra, and box seating options with different price points

Many locals treat ASO nights as a full evening out—dinner in Midtown (along Peachtree St, 14th St, and surrounding blocks) plus a concert.

Other Professional and Semi-Professional Orchestras in Atlanta

While the ASO is the headline name, Atlanta also has several other orchestral groups that play an important role in the city’s music life.

Atlanta Opera Orchestra

Location (administrative offices):
Atlanta Opera
1575 Northside Dr NW, Suite 350
Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: (404) 881-8801

The Atlanta Opera Orchestra is a professional ensemble that performs in the pit during opera productions, primarily at:

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30339

If you enjoy orchestral music and theater, attending an Atlanta Opera performance is another way to experience a full professional orchestra in action.

Atlanta Ballet Orchestra

For select productions, Atlanta Ballet engages an orchestra to perform live with the ballet, often for large-scale ballets such as “The Nutcracker.” Performances are typically held at venues like the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre or other major theaters around the metro area.

Community Orchestras and Regional Ensembles

Atlanta’s music scene is supported by a strong network of community and regional orchestras. These groups often feature highly skilled volunteer musicians, including music teachers, retired professionals, and serious amateurs.

While lineups and schedules can change, some well-known names in the greater Atlanta area include:

• Georgia Philharmonic – A volunteer symphony frequently performing large-scale symphonic works around metro Atlanta
• DeKalb Symphony Orchestra – Based on the campus of Georgia State University’s Perimeter College in Clarkston
• Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra & Chorus – Serving the Gwinnett County community with orchestral and choral concerts
• Rome Symphony Orchestra (northwest of Atlanta) – One of the long-standing regional orchestras in Georgia

These ensembles often:

• Offer more affordable tickets than major symphony concerts
• Perform in suburban venues, churches, and college auditoriums
• Present educational outreach and family concerts

They are a good fit if you live outside the core of Atlanta or want a lower-cost, low-pressure introduction to orchestral music.

Youth Orchestras and Student Programs in Atlanta

Atlanta is a strong place for young musicians, with youth orchestras that provide serious training and frequent concerts.

Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO)

Run by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra is one of the region’s top youth ensembles.

• Students: Typically middle school to high school
• Auditions: Held annually, with competitive placement
• Rehearsals: Usually at Woodruff Arts Center in Midtown
• Performances: At Atlanta Symphony Hall and sometimes other venues

This is a common goal for serious young string, wind, brass, and percussion players across the metro area.

Other Youth Orchestras Around Atlanta

In addition to ASYO, the metro area includes:

• Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestras of Atlanta (MYSO) – Multiple ensembles by level, drawing students from many counties
• Gwinnett County Youth Symphony – Serving students in the Gwinnett County Public Schools system
• Cobb County youth ensembles – Often affiliated with school systems and local arts organizations

If you’re a parent in Atlanta looking for structured orchestral training, these programs often pair regular rehearsals with coaching, sectionals, and public performances.

University and Conservatory Orchestras

If you’re interested in hearing student orchestras at a high level—often at very low or no cost—Atlanta’s colleges and universities are key resources.

Major University Orchestras in Atlanta

University orchestras:

• Frequently present free or low-cost concerts open to the public
• Perform standard repertoire and contemporary works
• Provide a less formal way to enjoy orchestral music, especially if you live near these campuses

Schedules are usually tied to the academic calendar (fall and spring semesters).

How to Attend an Orchestra Concert in Atlanta

If you’re new to orchestral music, navigating tickets, dress, and logistics in Atlanta is straightforward with a few basics.

Buying Tickets

In Atlanta, tickets are usually sold through:

• Official box offices (e.g., Woodruff Arts Center for ASO)
• Venue ticketing systems (for Cobb Energy Centre, regional arts centers, and community venues)
• University music departments (often free with optional registration or RSVP)

Common options include:

• Single tickets – For one specific concert
• Subscription packages – For a series of concerts across a season
• Student, senior, or military discounts – Widely available for many groups
• Rush or same-day tickets – Sometimes sold at a discount if seats are available close to showtime

For big-name programs or guest artists, Atlanta Symphony and Atlanta Opera performances can sell out, so advance purchase is recommended.

Getting There and Parking

Because Atlanta is spread out and car-dependent in many areas, it helps to plan ahead:

• Midtown (Atlanta Symphony Hall):
  • MARTA: Arts Center Station (Red/Gold lines) is a short walk from Woodruff Arts Center
  • Parking: On-site garage, nearby private lots, and limited street parking
• Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre:
  • Car access via I‑75/I‑285; multiple surface lots and a parking deck
  • Less direct MARTA access; often combined with rideshare for city residents
• Suburban/community venues:
  • Typically offer free or inexpensive parking
  • Often located within town centers, churches, or college campuses

If you rely on public transit, the ASO at Woodruff Arts Center is generally the most convenient option.

What You’ll Hear: Types of Orchestra Programs in Atlanta

Orchestral concerts in Atlanta fall into a few broad categories:

1. Classical Masterworks

These concerts focus on composers like:

• Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms, Tchaikovsky
• 20th-century composers such as Stravinsky, Shostakovich, Ravel
• Contemporary composers, including living American and international artists

They’re ideal if you want the full traditional symphonic experience.

2. Pops and Crossover Shows

Pops programs may feature:

• Movie music (for example, live orchestra performing film scores with projected films)
• Broadway and musical theater hits
• Popular and jazz artists performing with full orchestra

These events tend to attract:

• First-time orchestra goers
• Families and mixed-age groups
• People looking for a lighter, more familiar program

3. Family and Education Concerts

Many Atlanta orchestras design shorter, interactive concerts for families, often:

• 45–60 minutes long
• Scheduled on weekend afternoons
• Including narration, demonstrations of instruments, or kid-friendly themes

These are an approachable way to introduce children in Atlanta to symphonic music without the formality of an evening concert.

Getting Involved: Playing in an Atlanta Orchestra

For those who want to play, not just listen, Atlanta offers options at nearly every level.

For Adult Musicians

If you’re an adult living in the Atlanta area and you play a string, wind, brass, or percussion instrument, you might consider:

• Community orchestras (Georgia Philharmonic, DeKalb Symphony, Gwinnett Symphony)
• Church and civic orchestras around the metro region
• College and continuing-education ensembles (some universities allow community members to audition)

Common expectations:

• Auditions or seating interviews
• Weekly evening rehearsals (often on weekdays)
• A handful of concerts per season

These groups can be a good way to meet people, keep your skills sharp, and perform orchestral repertoire without making music a full-time career.

For Kids and Teens

For young musicians in metro Atlanta, typical pathways include:

• School orchestra or band programs (elementary through high school in many districts)
• Private lessons to build technique
• Youth orchestras (ASYO, MYSO, and county-based youth ensembles)

Families often combine:

• Weekly school rehearsals
• Weekend or evening youth orchestra rehearsals
• Concerts spaced throughout the school year

If your child is serious, Atlanta’s scene offers a step-by-step progression from beginner ensembles to pre-professional youth orchestras.

Budget-Friendly Ways to Enjoy Orchestral Music in Atlanta

You don’t need a large budget to participate in Atlanta’s orchestra culture. Here are realistic ways locals save money:

• University concerts – Often free or low-cost and open to the public
• Community orchestra performances – Typically cheaper than major symphony events
• Student rush tickets – Available through some professional groups for high school and college students
• Matinee performances – Sometimes less expensive and easier for families
• Library and community center programs – Occasional small-ensemble performances or educational events linked to larger orchestras

Many Atlantans mix one or two big ASO events a year with smaller, local concerts closer to home.

Quick Summary: Orchestral Options in Atlanta

• Want world-class symphonic music?
  Look to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at Woodruff Arts Center in Midtown, plus Atlanta Opera and Atlanta Ballet productions.

• Live outside the core city or prefer smaller venues?
  Explore community orchestras such as Georgia Philharmonic, DeKalb Symphony Orchestra, and Gwinnett Symphony groups.

• Have kids or teens who play instruments?
  Consider school ensembles, Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, and other youth programs across the metro.

• On a tight budget?
  Check out university orchestras (Emory, GSU, Georgia Tech, and others) and community concerts, which are often free or very affordable.

Whether you’re planning a night out in Midtown, looking for a local concert in your county, or searching for a youth orchestra audition for your child, Atlanta’s orchestra community offers accessible, year-round ways to experience symphonic music.