The CSO is the fifth oldest symphony orchestra in the United States. Since it was founded in 1895, the CSO has been a proponent of playing new music, giving the American premier of works by such notable composers as Debussy, Ravel and Bartók, and commissioning works such as Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man”, which have since become part of standard repertoire. In the early 1900’s, the CSO took large technical leaps forward when it became the first orchestra to be broadcast to a national radio audience and the third orchestra to record.

Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Information

• Other Venues: Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Avenue
• Public Transportation: Good
• Handicapped Accessibility: Yes
• Performance/Programs: Approximately 180 performances a season.
• Admission: $12-$103 depending on concert and seat location. A variety of significant discounts are available to students depending on availability and date of ticket purchase. Seniors receive a 25% discount on tickets for most CSO performances (Pops not included.) Children (6-18) are also eligible for discounts for all concerts at the Music Hall or Riverbend. Active military and their families who provide proof of active military status can receive a discount of 25% off tickets (limit 2) for all CSO and Pops concerts. Additionally ZIPTIX, a last minute rush ticket policy provided by the CSO, offers 25% off tickets to remaining seats in limited seating locations at all CSO venues.
• Group Discounts: Groups of ten or more can save up to 25% off the regular ticket price (up to 33% off at Riverbend). Groups of 25 or more receive two complimentary tickets. Senior Group and Student Group rates are also available with additional benefits.
• Subscriptions/Memberships: Subscriptions packages are available ranging from 4-24 concerts, and offered mostly by theme and day of the week. Preformed series include “Masterworks”, “Awakenings”, “Explorer”, Diversions “and “Classic Choice” (Choose your own 6 or 10 concerts). Subscriptions are also available for Pops and Chamber Music Series. Subscriber benefits include “Classical Conversations” one hour prior to each concert, unlimited free ticket exchange (prior to concert) and lost ticket replacement. For individuals, membership begins at $50 and includes tickets to the “Donors’ Choice Concert”, a special donors-only concert where you help select the music; recognition in program books at the beginning of the coming season and invitations to three Open Rehearsals, Notification of all CSO concerts and special events. Other benefits for members who donate at higher levels include invitations to exclusive recitals, dinners, and receptions, complimentary parking, free recordings, and assistance in securing concert tickets to orchestras throughout the U.S0
• Other Special Programs: The CSO offers extensive programs for students and young people. Specially prepared programs for children and families includes children’s concerts complete with pre-concert activities to help youth become familiar with orchestral music and instruments.  Two of the many offerings for young adults are, “College Nights”, with an after party featuring local bands, mingling with the musicians, and prizes; and “CSO Encore!”, for ages 21-39 offers discounts up to 70%. Also of interest is CSO “Pride Night”, a special program geared to reach out to the GLBT community.