FAQ

What kind of music do you play?

PBO specializes in works of the Baroque and Early Classical eras but also explores the musical world outside of those time constraints. Our ensemble performs with period instruments or replicas of instruments that were available when the music was composed (roughly 1600 – 1840). This means that our concerts feature familiar instruments that may look or sound a little different (for example, violins strung with gut strings or flutes made of wood and bone) as well as instruments that are no longer a part of the modern orchestra (like the theorbo or harpsichord).

You can get a taste of what you’ll hear at a PBO concert by checking out our YouTube channel.

Who performs with PBO?

You can see a list of our orchestra members here. Each season we also feature world-class guest artists and directors.

Many of our ensemble members have played with PBO for decades and include artists from around the world as well as those who call the Pacific Northwest home. What unites them all is a dedication to excellence, spontaneity, and the craft of the historically inspired tradition.

How long are your concerts?

Most concerts are about 2 hours in length. Messiah performances are 3 hours in length plus intermission.

How early do I need to arrive for a concert?

We recommend that you arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time (earlier is better if you plan to buy tickets at the door). This gives you time to settle in and helps us start concerts on time. Latecomers will be admitted at staff discretion between movements or works.

We offer Pre-Concert Talks 60 minutes before most concerts (excluding Messiah). Free and open to the public, these talks give context and color to the music being performed and are presented by performers and/or guest scholars. Pre-concert Talks are a great opportunity to learn more about the music and meet those creating it.

Is there a dress code for your concerts?

While many people enjoy getting a little dressed up for our performances, there is no dress code. If dressing up is not your thing, don’t worry – this is Portland so hiking boots aren’t out of place in our audience.

In consideration of those around you, please remember that some patrons have allergies to strong scents including perfume and cologne.

Are food and drink allowed in the concert hall?

Only water is allowed to be consumed during a concert.

At Kaul Auditorium there is complimentary water, coffee, and tea available but there is no concession counter. There is a small market kitty-corner to Kaul Auditorium in the Gray Campus Center. Please consume all food and drink before entering the concert hall. Alcoholic beverages are not available (sorry).

I may have lost something at one of your concerts, what should I do?

Call the PBO office during business hours at 503-222-6000 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). We have a strong track record of reuniting people with their lost items.

Are PBO concerts appropriate for kids?

We love having kids in our audience, but a two-hour concert can be hard for many children to sit through. We recommend children be 7 years of age or older to attend PBO concerts. You know the kids in your life best, so please use your best judgment when bringing them to concerts.

Babes in arms are strongly discouraged from attending.

Is there late seating?

Yes. Latecomers will be admitted at staff discretion between concert movements or pieces. An usher will help you know when to enter the concert hall and help direct you to your seat.

Will the concert be canceled due to inclement weather?

Cancelations are rare, but if one occurs the announcement will be made on our homepage and social media as early as possible. In the event a concert is canceled you will receive information about whether the concert has been rescheduled and an overview of your ticketing options.

Where can I park?

Kaul Auditorium: Parking on the Reed College campus is complimentary and available on a first-come first-served basis. Please visit the venue page for detailed parking maps and directions.

Please note – Construction near Kaul Auditorium has reduced the amount of parking available in the West parking lot closest to the hall. Please leave plenty of time if you plan to park at Reed.

 

Sanctuary Hall: There is generally plenty of street parking in the area. These spaces range from 1 – 4 hours and can be paid for using a credit card or the Parking Kitty app. Street parking is generally metered until 7 p.m.

Please visit the venue page for detailed parking maps and directions.

 

I’m having trouble buying tickets online, can you help me?

Of course! Don’t hesitate to give us a call at 503-222-6000 and we can sell you tickets by phone. Box Office hours are 9:30AM - 5PM, Monday through Friday.

If the box office is closed, leave a message and we’ll get back to you.

Can I purchase tickets at the door?

Yes. The box office opens at the venue 90 minutes before the performance time.

We recommend you purchase tickets in advance if possible because our concerts are held in small venues to keep performances intimate. Many of our concerts sell out (especially Handel’s Messiah).

When can I buy single tickets?

Single tickets go on sale on August 1.

Subscription sales generally start in March or April each year.

Make sure you are signed up to receive the PBO newsletter and you will always be first to know when tickets are available.

How do I get my tickets?

You have three options to receive your tickets whether you order online or by phone:

1. Mail: There is a mailing fee for subscription tickets of $5 per subscription order and $4 for other orders.
2. Print at Home: Print-at-home tickets are free of charge. You will receive an email containing a link to all the tickets in your order. If you are not able to physically print your tickets, you may present ushers with a copy of your tickets on your phone.
3. Will Call: You may pick up will-call tickets at the box office before the concert. The box office opens 90 minutes before concert time. There is no charge for will-call tickets.

Do you offer ticket discounts?

$5 Student Rush Tickets
Student Rush tickets can be purchased on the day of the concert at the venue box office and are $5. Valid for one ticket per student ID. Subject to availability.

$5 Arts for All
PBO is a founding member of the Arts for All program which offers $5 tickets to patrons with an Oregon Trail card. You may purchase Arts for All tickets in advance and tickets will be held at will call for pick up at the concert venue. Please present your Oregon Trail card at Will Call when you pick up your tickets. Subject to availability.

Group Discounts
We offer special pricing for groups of 10 or more that attend a single concert. Contact the box office at 503-222-6000 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to make arrangements and discuss options for your group.

What is your refund policy?

Tickets to PBO concerts are non-refundable unless PBO must cancel a performance due to inclement weather or another force majeure. In the unlikely event that PBO cancels a performance, you will be contacted with your options.

If you are experiencing unforeseen hardship or illness, please contact us to discuss options for reimbursement.

Unused tickets can be exchanged or donated for resale and tax receipt if you contact PBO at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled performance.

Can I exchange my tickets?

Yes! There is a nominal exchange fee for single tickets and free exchanges for subscribers. Exchanges must be done through the box office by calling 503-222-6000 or by emailing .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Please exchange your tickets at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled performance.

Tickets can also be donated back to PBO as a tax-deductible gift by calling or emailing the box. Please donate tickets at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled performance.

What do I do if I lose my tickets?

Don’t panic - but do give us a call at 503-222-6000 or email info@pbo.org. We are happy to reprint your tickets free of charge.

If it is a concert day, please come to the venue a little early and we will look up your reservation and reprint them on-site.