Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is PCMS?
Great artists, compelling repertoire, affordable prices and friendly service: these are the hallmarks of the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society. Presenting over 60 unique concerts each season at intimate venues throughout Center City, PCMS has been among Philadelphia's musical treasures since its founding in 1986. Over the years, PCMS has remained committed to its founding principles: to enable people from all walks of life to enjoy exceptional music-making at affordable ticket prices, to fulfill musical needs of the community, and to build a broad group of directors, staff members, audiences, and patrons who are devoted to these goals and to insuring the Society's future.
2. Where are you located, what are your hours, where are the concerts held?
The PCMS Box Office is located at 1528 Walnut Street, Suite 301. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Concerts take place at the Kimmel Center and other convenient Center City locations, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Independence Seaport Museum and the American Philosophical Society. For complete venue information see our Venues page.
3. How long are the concerts and is there parking at the concert sites?
Most PCMS concerts run from one and a half to two hours. Convenient parking is available at all PCMS venues, with free or discount parking offered at many locations. When you order tickets to a PCMS concert, a list of parking options and prices is included in the envelope with your tickets.
4. What can I expect from the concert experience? (* i.e. what do people typically wear? when do you clap? how long is the intermission? etc.)
PCMS concerts are community affairs, with audience members of all ranges of musical experience and from all walks of life. There is no dress code; concertgoers come dressed as they are comfortable, some formally, some casually. Applause is generally reserved for the conclusion of a piece so as not to disturb the concentration of the artists. Most performances, with the possible exception of jazz concerts, feature a 15 minute intermission about midway through the performance.
5. Are the concert sites handicap accessible?
All PCMS venues are handicap accessible, and accessible seating is reserved for patrons with special needs. When ordering your tickets, simply inform the Box Office of any accessibility concerns, and we will do our best to accomodate them. Please note: patrons attending concerts at the American Philosophical Society should call the PCMS Box Office in advance for accessibility instructions.
6. How can I get involved (volunteering)?
From ushering to administrative work, volunteers play a valuable role in helping PCMS fulfill its mission. If you share a love of music and have some time or a skill to share, we would love to hear from you. To learn more about becoming a PCMS usher, contact Guy Ostertag, Head Usher, at 215-569-8587.
7. What does it mean to subscribe? Can I pick the seats I want?
PCMS offers frequent concertgoers a number of convenient ways to subscribe. By choosing as few as three concerts in a given series, subscribers receive benefits including reduced ticket prices, advanced seat selection and special offers all year round. The PCMS Box Office does its best to accomodate seating requests both during the subscription process and throughout the season (subject to availability). Simply call the Box Office to inquire about seating availability or put your seating request in the Comments section of your online order.
8. How do I purchase tickets?
Advance tickets can be purchased at our Box Office (1528 Walnut Street, Suite 301), over the phone (215-569-8080) or through this Web site (www.pcmsconcerts.org). Tickets can also be purchased at the door the day of a concert (subject to availability).
9. Do you have discounts?
Subscribers to the PCMS e-mail list receive exclusive special offers throughout the season. Discounted tickets are also available to students and to groups of 10 or more. Other convenient ways to save include our popular monthly and holiday specials. Last minute specials are also occasionally made available through the Philly Fun Guide. Due to our already low ticket prices, senior citizen discounts are not available at this time.
10. How can I find out about upcoming events, discounts, etc?
The PCMS e-mail list offers subscribers the latest news on upcoming concerts, special ticket offers and more. You can also sign up for our regular mailing list, request a brochure or simply bookmark this Web site for easy access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
11. Are there any opportunities for students?
Students can purchase a ticket to any PCMS event for only $10 and can save even more through PCMS's Unlimited Student Card program, which allows full-time students 35 and under the opportunity to attend any and all PCMS concerts (subject to availability) for just $30.
12. What types of musicians perform at your concerts?
PCMS concerts feature a wide variety of musicians, from internationally acclaimed solo artists to the stars of tomorrow. String quartets, pianists, vocalists, wind virtuosi and special event artists all feature prominently in PCMS's annual 60-plus concert schedule.
