Involvement with a Pennsylvania symphony orchestra can be a great opportunity for the small business owner. It can establish a balance between work and recreation for your employees, create a good reputation for your company and strengthen ties with your community. Attending a performance by a symphony orchestra supports not only professional musicians but young, aspiring musicians, as well.

You can use tickets to PA symphony orchestras to entertain clients, provide rewards for employees and show your appreciation to customers. Tickets to individual performances are readily available in many cases and most orchestras also offer season tickets. Orchestras frequently offer discounts for families, students and seniors as well.

Pennsylvania orchestras generally fall into the following categories:

1. Pennsylvania symphony orchestras that have professional musicians and may feature internationally known performers as guests. A full symphony or philharmonic orchestra usually consists of at least 80 players and may have more than 100.

2. Smaller community orchestras that offer free public concerts and may be available for private events. A chamber orchestra has less than 40 players.

3. Youth orchestras that feature younger players. These orchestras typically require players to be within a specified age range and stage annual auditions.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find professional Pennsylvania symphony orchestras near you

Symphony orchestras perform a variety of classical, experimental and modern compositions in Pennsylvania. Opera also is popular and typically has scheduled performances throughout the season.

I recommend: Muscialchairs.info has many musically related resources, including a list of orchestras and opera houses by city. Join the Association of Major Symphony Orchestra Volunteers to support symphonies not only in Pennsylvania, but those around the country.

Support a youth Pennsylvania symphony orchestra

Young musicians can obtain stage experience and training in a youth symphony. Pennsylvania youth symphonies are well-respected and perform many of the same pieces as professional orchestras.

I recommend: The R. Jones Trumpet Page has a variety of music resources, including a list of school and youth orchestras. Your business can support a youth symphony orchestra in Pennsylvania such as the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Buy tickets to a Pennsylvania orchestra in your city

Most large cities in Pennsylvania have at least one professional orchestra and several chamber orchestras. They play many different types of music, in addition to classical compositions.

I recommend: The Philadelphia Orchestra plays at the Ford Amphitheater while in Philadelphia. The home venue for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is Heinz Hall, and it performs at other locations in the Pittsburgh area.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Become a corporate sponsor for a Pennsylvania symphony orchestra because many frequently depend on donations. This can be a cost-effective means of promoting your company. You can also encourage your employees to volunteer to teach music classes and perform in free concerts. Many back-stage opportunities exist for volunteers, as well.