Need to Know
Ensure that Your YSO Experience is Perfectly Orchestrated
First-time visitors may want to allow plenty of time before the performance to take in York’s lively public art scene. A stroll around YSO’s home, the Appell Center, takes you past beautiful murals, industrial-themed sculptures, and more. Follow your walk with dining at one of the city’s many gastropubs for the perfect set up for the main event-an evening filled with uplifting, joyous music performed by the York Symphony Orchestra.
Parking
York has several parking garages, all within easy walking distance of the Appell Center. Street parking is available, too. Find your spot conveniently and safely.
Restaurants
Why not make a whole night of it when you come for a YSO concert? Dinner before or drinks after, or both!
COVID Safety Policies
The York Symphony Orchestra follows the Appell Center’s safety measures regarding COVID 19
A Community Treasure
Appell Center
The York Symphony Orchestra performs at the Appell Center for the Performing Art’s Strand Theatre.The Appell Center is located in downtown York at 50 N. George St, York, PA 17401. All concerts start at 7:30PM unless otherwise started. The lobby and theatre’s doors open at 6:30PM for you to take your seat. The Appell Center also handles all of the York Symphony’s ticketing.
Subscriptions and single tickets can be can be purchased online, by phone or in-person at the Appell Center Box Office. The Appell Center offers printed tickets and digital tickets for theatre concerts. Digital tickets can be accessed through your Appell Center account. The Appell Center Box Office is open Monday to Friday from 10am-4:30pm and 2 hours before performances at the Appell Center.
All tickets will be scanned prior to entering the facility. Attendants can scan printed tickets or tickets displayed on a mobile device. For the safety of our audiences, performers and staff, all patrons must now show a valid event ticket to gain entry into the facility. All bags will also be checked upon entering. All patrons who exit the facility during a show will be asked to show their ticket for reentry. If you are meeting guests prior to the show, you will need to do so outside of the theatre.
Concessions are available in The Strand lobbies, including snacks, soda, water, coffee and full bar service. No outside food or beverages are permitted. The Appell Center also offers the sale of alcoholic beverages in plastic, reusable cups. After the initial cup purchase, you will save on all refills. Be sure to save your cup after you leave. Guests who bring back their cups for future performances will enjoy refill pricing.
Need Help?
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you new to a York Symphony concert? Here are some basic questions, tips and general information to make your visit to the concert more enjoyable!
Where does the symphony perform?
The concerts are performed at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts’ Strand Theatre. The Appell Center is located at 50 North George Street, York, PA 17401.
Where is parking available in Downtown York?
There are multiple parking garages and street parking options near the Appell Center. Three parking garages listed below are FREE all day on weekends:
*Market Street (41 E. Market Street)
*King Street (15 W. King Street)
*Philadelphia Street (25 W. Philadelphia Street)
Please note that the Philadelphia Street Parking Garage tends to fill quickly on concert nights. Click to view PARKING MAP. Other locations listed on the parking map may have costs associated with them.
What should I wear?
Attending a Symphony Concert is always a special occasion, so some concert-goers will “dress up” somewhat. At our concerts, business dress or business casual dress are both acceptable . You’ll see everything from khakis to suits, formal dresses to pants. We recommend that our guests refrain from using strong perfumes and colognes so as not to distract the guest sitting near you or in case anyone has allergies.
What should I expect?
Expect to have a great time. Forget whatever you have heard about a classical music concert. Watch the stage, watch the movements, listen to the music and sense the rhythm and moods. If you just sit back and go with the flow, you’ll experience something brand new!
How do I show respect for the Concertmaster and the Conductor?
The Concertmaster’s responsibility is to be the lead orchestral musician. Applause as the Concertmaster enters the stage shows the audience’s respect for the Concertmaster. As the Conductor walks on the stage, the orchestra stands and the audience applauds.
Why do all of the bows move in the same direction in the string section?
The Concertmaster and the principal players of each string section work on arranging the bowings so that everyone in a section is playing the same phrasing of the music. It’s much more visually appealing for the audience than having every player bow differently!
Why are there so many more violins than other instruments?
How long is the concert?
Where can tickets be ordered for concerts?
All ticket sales are processed through the Appell Center Box Office. Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone (717-846-1111), and in-person (50 North George St, York, PA 17401). The Appell Center Box Office is open Monday-Friday from 10am-4:30pm. The Box Office is also open two hours before the concert and during intermission.
What are your COVID policies?
The health and safety of all our patrons is our highest priority. Read about the Appell Center’s COVID 19 safety precautions and policies here. Policies are subject to change.
What is proper concert etiquette?
Symphony concerts will vary from concert to concert. The YSO provides a variety of programming to establish certain moods and feelings. The music can be loud or soft, exciting or dramatic, quiet or somber. There are some common considerations that we ask you to respectfully follow:
- plan to arrive 15-30 minutes early
- late seating is only permitted between pieces/movements
- if you must leave during the music, please exit as quietly as possible and understand you will be re-seated only between pieces/movements
- please turn off all cell phones, pagers, and alarms on watches
no texting please - please don’t unwrap candy, mints or cough drops during the music
photography, audio or video recording is not permitted - please refrain from using strong perfume or cologne
- the only animals permitted in the theater are guide dogs
- respectfully, please do not bring small children who might be disruptive to the audience
What is a symphony?
A symphony orchestra is a group of musicians who play four basic families of instruments:
- Strings – violins (smallest, and highest in pitch), violas, cellos, and double basses (largest and lowest in pitch). These players sit in a semicircle directly in front of the conductor, and make up more than half the orchestra.
- Woodwinds – flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, and related instruments. These players sit a few rows back from the conductor, in the center of the orchestra.
- Brass – trumpets, horns, trombones, tubas, and similar instruments. These instruments are the loudest, so you’ll see them in the rear of the orchestra.
- Percussion – drums, bells, and other fascinating paraphernalia that are struck, plucked, rubbed, etc. This includes the tympani, the harp, and, on occasion, the piano. Some works use lots of different percussion; others may have a single musician playing the tympani, or no percussion at all. The percussion section is also found at the rear of the orchestra, on the left or right side.
Why does the orchestra tune to the oboe?
The oboe holds the pitch the most consistently. Why is the tuning pitch an A? The A is an “open” string for the violins, violas and cello, and is a middle, comfortable register for all of the instruments.
What role do the principals (first chairs) in each section have in a performance?
Can I applaud between movements?
Generally applause is held until the entire piece ends. However, after a very large large concerto movement, applause is sometimes heard. If the mood is very quiet, it is better to hold the mood. Watch the conductor for a hint. If his/her hands are raised, hold the applause, the next movement is about to begin.