Symphony Orchestra in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to World-Class Music

Atlanta has a rich and active symphony orchestra scene, centered around the internationally known Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) and supported by a network of community ensembles, youth orchestras, and university programs. Whether you live in the city, are in town for the weekend, or are just exploring what Atlanta’s arts scene offers, you have plenty of options to hear orchestral music up close.

Below is a practical guide to symphony orchestra experiences in Atlanta, Georgia—where they perform, what to expect, how to get tickets, and how to get more involved.

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: Atlanta’s Flagship Ensemble

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is the city’s main professional orchestra and one of the most prominent in the Southeast.

Primary home:
Atlanta Symphony Hall
Woodruff Arts Center
1280 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Main box office (Woodruff Arts Center): typically reachable via main phone line listed on their official site.

What the ASO Performs

The ASO presents a wide variety of programs throughout its main season:

• Classical subscription concerts – symphonies, concertos, and orchestral showpieces from composers like Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Mahler, and living composers.
• Pops concerts – lighter programs that may feature movie music, Broadway hits, popular artists, or themed nights (e.g., Motown, film scores).
• Holiday concerts – seasonal programs around December, often including choral works and family-friendly events.
• Special events and collaborations – performances with guest soloists, choirs, or cross-genre artists, sometimes tied to major film or cultural events.

If you’re new to orchestral music in Atlanta, a pops concert or a big-name classical work is often a welcoming entry point.

Typical Concert Experience at Symphony Hall

Atlanta Symphony Hall is in Midtown, a busy arts district easily accessible by car or MARTA.

What to expect:

• Dress code: There is no strict dress code. Many attendees choose business casual; for weekend evenings, you’ll also see people dressed up. Jeans are generally acceptable as long as they are neat.
• Timing:
  • Doors usually open about an hour before the concert.
  • Plan to arrive 30–45 minutes early to find parking, pick up tickets if needed, and get settled.
• Parking:
  • Parking garages and lots are located around the Woodruff Arts Center and nearby streets in Midtown.
  • During peak evenings (Friday/Saturday), give extra time for traffic and walking from the garage.
• MARTA access:
  • The closest MARTA station is generally Arts Center Station, within walking distance of Symphony Hall.
  • This is often easier than driving for weekend or rush-hour concerts.
• Applause etiquette:
  • In most classical programs, audiences wait to applaud until the end of an entire piece, not between movements.
  • If you’re unsure, follow the crowd—Atlanta audiences are generally welcoming to newcomers.

How to Buy Tickets for Symphony Orchestra Performances

Atlanta offers several ways to get tickets, from full season subscriptions to last-minute single seats.

Main Ways to Purchase ASO Tickets

• Online:
  • The ASO and Woodruff Arts Center sell tickets directly through their official websites.
  • You can typically choose your seat on an interactive map and see pricing tiers.
• Box office in person:
  • Woodruff Arts Center Box Office
    1280 Peachtree St NE
    Atlanta, GA 30309
  • Box office hours vary; checking hours before visiting is recommended.
• By phone:
  • The box office phone line (listed on the official site) can assist with seating questions, accessibility needs, and group tickets.

Ticket Types and Money-Saving Tips

• Single tickets:
  • Good if you only want a specific concert or are just trying the ASO for the first time.
• Subscriptions:
  • Multi-concert packages for the season (e.g., classic series, pops series).
  • Often cost less per concert and may include seat priority or flexible exchange options.
• Student, youth, or rush tickets:
  • Many Atlanta arts organizations, including orchestras, offer discounts for students or younger audiences.
  • Some concerts have same-day or last-minute rush tickets at lower prices, subject to availability.
• Group sales:
  • If you’re attending with a school, senior group, or club, you may be able to arrange group rates through the box office.

Always verify current prices and policies directly with the organization, as they can change from season to season.

Other Symphony and Orchestral Experiences Around Atlanta

Beyond the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the metro area has a lively ecosystem of community, youth, and university orchestras. These can offer more casual atmospheres, lower ticket prices, and neighborhood convenience.

Community and Regional Orchestras

These ensembles are often a mix of trained amateurs, local professionals, and music educators, performing several times a year.

Some examples of community or regional orchestras you might encounter in the greater Atlanta area include:

• Atlanta Community Orchestra-style groups (names and locations can vary over time)
• Suburban and regional orchestras in nearby cities such as Marietta, Roswell, Decatur, or Duluth, which may be within a reasonable drive of central Atlanta.
• Specialized ensembles that focus on chamber orchestra repertoire or specific styles.

Check local event listings, arts calendars, and community centers for up-to-date information on performance dates and locations. These concerts are often held at:

• Local performing arts centers
• Large church venues
• High school or college auditoriums

They can be a great way to enjoy orchestral music without traveling downtown.

University and Conservatory Orchestras

Atlanta is home to several universities with strong music programs. University orchestras are typically open to the public and can be very high quality.

Examples of institutions known for orchestral performances include:

• Georgia State University School of Music (Downtown Atlanta)
  Frequently presents orchestra concerts, opera productions, and contemporary music events.
• Agnes Scott College (Decatur)
  May host ensemble and orchestra-style performances in its music venues.
• Emory University (Druid Hills)
  Presents symphony, chamber, and contemporary classical concerts through its music department and arts programs.

These performances are often:

• Low cost or free
• Hosted in campus concert halls or recital spaces
• Geared toward both the campus community and the public

If you’re a student or live near one of these campuses, university orchestras can become a regular and accessible way to enjoy symphonic music.

Youth Orchestras and Programs for Young Musicians

For families in Atlanta, there are multiple ways for children and teens to engage with orchestra music—either as listeners or as performers.

Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra and Similar Programs

Atlanta typically offers youth orchestras that rehearse weekly and perform several concerts a year. These organizations often:

• Hold auditions each year for new members.
• Serve students from middle school through high school.
• Perform in recognizable venues, sometimes including Atlanta Symphony Hall or large school auditoriums.

A youth orchestra experience can provide:

• High-level ensemble training
• Sectionals and coaching with experienced musicians
• Opportunities to perform challenging repertoire on professional stages

If your child plays violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, clarinet, trumpet, or another orchestral instrument, checking local youth orchestra options is a good next step.

Educational Concerts and Family Programs

Many Atlanta orchestral organizations develop education and outreach programs, especially for:

• Elementary and middle school groups
• Families with children new to classical music

These might include:

• Shortened “kids’ concerts” with explanations of the music
• Instrument demonstrations before the concert
• Partnerships with Atlanta Public Schools and surrounding school districts

If your child is curious about orchestra music but not yet playing an instrument, a family-oriented concert can be a low-pressure introduction.

Seasonal and Outdoor Orchestra Events in Atlanta

Atlanta’s climate makes outdoor and seasonal concerts especially popular.

Summer and Outdoor Performances

During warmer months, symphony-style performances may appear at:

• Parks and amphitheaters in and around metro Atlanta
• Special summer series that pair orchestral music with fireworks or themed programs
• Neighborhood festivals where smaller orchestral ensembles perform

These events:

• Often encourage picnicking and casual attire
• Can be more relaxed than traditional concert-hall settings
• Are popular for family outings or date nights

Local listings, city event calendars, and park district announcements are good places to watch for these.

Holiday and Special Themed Concerts

Around major holidays, orchestras in Atlanta often present:

• Holiday pops concerts with seasonal songs
• Film-with-orchestra events (for example, a movie screened while the orchestra plays the score live)
• Special concerts celebrating local traditions or major cultural events in the city

These can sell out quickly, so it’s wise to plan ahead if you want specific dates, like early December weekends or New Year’s concerts.

Symphonic Music Venues You’re Likely to Visit

Here is a quick overview of key places in Atlanta where you might hear an orchestra:

How to Choose the Right Symphony Experience in Atlanta

If you’re not sure where to start, think about your goals:

• 🎟 First-time listener:
  • Consider a pops concert at Atlanta Symphony Hall or a well-known classical piece with the ASO.
  • Check for short or “introductory” programs.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Family outing:
  • Look for family concerts, holiday events, or outdoor summer performances where kids can move a bit more freely.
• 🎼 Serious music fan:
  • Explore full-season subscriptions or seek out university and contemporary music concerts for more adventurous repertoire.
• 🎻 Young musician or parent:
  • Investigate youth orchestras and school partnerships in the metro area.
  • Attend student and youth concerts to get a feel for the level and community.
• 💸 Budget-conscious:
  • Check for student discounts, rush tickets, or free university concerts.
  • Community orchestra concerts are usually very affordable.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Symphony Orchestra Atlanta-Style

A few final pointers to make your experience smoother:

• Plan your route: Midtown traffic can be congested before evening concerts, especially on Fridays. Consider MARTA if you’re near a station.
• Check performance length: Many orchestral concerts last about 2 hours with an intermission; some family and educational concerts run shorter.
• Look at the program in advance: Knowing the composer or theme can make the experience more engaging, even if you’re new to classical music.
• Respect the quiet moments: Silence is part of the music experience—Atlanta’s symphony audiences generally keep phones on silent and limit talking once the performance begins.
• Explore nearby food options: Midtown and surrounding neighborhoods have plenty of restaurants and cafes, making it easy to pair your concert with dinner.

Atlanta’s symphony and orchestral scene offers something for nearly every taste—from grand masterworks in Symphony Hall to intimate student recitals and relaxed outdoor concerts. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just spending a weekend in the city, you’ll find multiple ways to experience symphonic music in and around Atlanta, Georgia.