Plan Your Visit
An unforgettable evening with the Richardson Symphony Orchestra awaits you and the excitement goes beyond the music. Make your concert experience uniquely yours with a variety of food and activity options. Explore these helpful tips so that when concert night arrives, all you need to do is relax and enjoy.
We’re dedicated to making everyone feel at home at the Richardson Symphony Orchestra as we come together to share the joy of live music.
Know before you go
We get this question a lot, but rest assured, there’s no dress code. Create the experience you want to have through your own unique look.
One way to get the most out of your experience is to learn a little bit about the music you’re about to hear. Pick up a program on the way to your seat, and you’ll find a treasure trove of info about the musicians, the music and stories of how it was created.
Share your enthusiasm at the end of each individual piece. If there are multiple movements (sections of the larger work) listed next to a piece in your program, hold your applause until after the last movement on that list. If you’re uncertain, wait for cues from those around you. Our superfans will show you the way.
While we don’t allow videos while the musicians are performing, we highly encourage you to capture your time with the Orchestra before, during, or after the performance or during intermission with pictures. Use #RichardsonSymphony on social media, and we’ll like and share our favorites!
If device separation gives you a little anxiety, we get it. Please silence your phone when you enter the auditorium and try not to look at your phone while the musicians perform. The light from your screen can be distracting to your seat neighbors.
Our concerts include a 20-minute intermission. Plenty of time to use the restroom, stretch your legs, pick up a drink, or look through your program to get excited about the second half.
We welcome young concertgoers at the Richardson Symphony Orchestra, especially at our Pops Concerts in December and February—these performances are designed to be fun and family-friendly! For our Classic Concerts, we recommend using your discretion. Some of these programs can be longer and may be challenging for younger children to sit through quietly. We encourage you to consider your child’s ability to enjoy the experience when choosing which concerts to attend.
Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts
2351 Performance Dr, Richardson, TX 75082
Patron event parking is available at the Bank of America and Galatyn Commons garages adjacent to the Eisemann Center on Performance Drive. Follow the signs located at key intersections to parking. Self-parking is $5.00. Valet parking service is available for a $10.00 fee.
What should I wear?
- There is no official dress code. Most people wear business casual or dressy casual.
How long do concerts last?
- Concerts will last approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours including a 20 minute intermission
What does the concertmaster do?
- The concertmaster is the first chair of the first violins. She plays a leadership role with the violins and the orchestra as a whole. She is the last orchestra musician to enter the stage before a concert and leads the orchestra in its tuning prior to the concert.
Why does the orchestra tune to the Oboe?
- The powerful sound of the oboe stands out from other instruments, so it’s easy for all the musicians to hear. It also has a steadier pitch than string instruments. The orchestra tunes to the note of “A.”
Why does the conductor leave after each piece of music in a classical concert?
- The conductor goes off stage and takes a moment to breathe and prepare for the next piece.
When do I clap?
- The cue to clap is when the conductor turns around at the end of a piece.
How can I learn more about the music being played?
- Check our our podcast “Portraits in Music,” which features Maestro Couturiaux as he shares his insights into our upcoming concerts and interviews our principal musicians and guest artists
- We provide pages in the concert program that describe each piece of music being played at the concert.
EATS & TREATS BEFORE THE SHOW
Address: 506 Lockwood Drive, Richardson, TX 75080 (1.6 miles to Eisemann Center for Performing Arts)
Website: Lockwood Distilling
A family-owned distillery and kitchen pouring authentic Texas spirits and craveable comfort food. Perfect for a relaxed pre-concert bite.
Favorites:
- Smoked Pecan Pimento Cheese — whipped sharp cheddar, smoked pecans, house hot sauce, comeback crackers
- Shrimp & Grits — gristmill grits, andouille sausage, sautéed peppers and onions, Gulf shrimp
- Chimichurri Skirt Steak — 44 Farms Black Angus skirt steak (10 oz), chimichurri, confit marbled potatoes, chive crema
- Pineapple Rum Crème Brûlée — Lockwood pineapple rum, caramelized pineapple, candied coconut
Address: 1415 E Renner Rd. Suite 260, Richardson, TX 75082 (1.2 miles to Eisemann Center for Performing Arts)
Website: Fish City Grill – CityLine
Your go-to spot for fresh seafood, cold drinks, and good company, whether you’re joining us for lunch, dinner, or a casual night out with friends and friends.
Favorites:
- Shrimp & Crab Queso — Three cheese sauce, sliced jalapeños, served with tortilla chips.
- Garlic Caper Grilled Salmon – Marinated cherry tomatoes, beurre blanc, buttermilk mashed potatoes, garlic wilted spinach.
- Honey-Chipotle Shrimp Tacos – Corn tortillas, cilantro, shredded carrots & celery, ranch dressing, avocado.
- Key Lime Pie
Address: 2701 Custer Pkwy 915 #915, Richardson, TX 75080 (2.3 miles to Eisemann Center for Performing Arts)
Website: Shady’s Burgers
Bold burgers, beer & wine are served at this family-friendly spot with a patio & live music nights.
Favorites:
- Queso Nuevo – White queso, serrano and hatch chiles, grilled jalapeños & pico de gallo served with tortilla chips
- The Hood Burger – White cheddar, sliced avocado, grilled onion, grilled jalapeños
- The Cod Sandwich – Grilled or crispy, spicy slaw, remoulade, pineapple pico de gallo on a brioche bun
- Margarita Chicken Salad – Marinated chicken, spring mix, bacon, shredded jack cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onions, tortilla strips, cilantro, avocado, served with cilantro ranch