Seattle Symphony Orchestrates Safe Return to Live Music

SUPPORT YOUR SYMPHONY It’s almost time! In just a few short weeks, the Seattle Symphony will again open the doors of Benaroya Hall to full audiences for the 2021/2022 season. While we are thrilled to be taking this fi...

SUPPORT YOUR SYMPHONY

It’s almost time!

In just a few short weeks, the Seattle Symphony will again open the doors of Benaroya Hall to full audiences for the 2021/2022 season. While we are thrilled to be taking this first step toward normalcy, we are equally committed to the well-being of our patrons, staff, volunteers and musicians.

As such, the Seattle Symphony will require vaccinations for all visitors to Benaroya Hall. Children younger than 12 years and individuals with a medical condition or closely held religious belief preventing vaccination can instead provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR diagnostic test taken within 72 hours or a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within 24 hours of the performance start time. Self-reported negative test results that are not from a test provider, laboratory or health care provider will not be accepted. Additionally, masks must be worn by all visitors at all times in the venue, except while actively eating or drinking in designated refreshment areas.

“We are ecstatic to be able to welcome full audiences once again, and we want to ensure we do so in a way that reflects our commitment to our community’s well-being,” said Krishna Thiagarajan, President & CEO of the Seattle Symphony. “Health experts have made it clear that the most effective means of preventing transmission is vaccination, and we are prepared to lead by example.”

These policies are part of Benaroya Hall’s updated safety plan, which includes such protective measures as installation of a hospital-grade air ventilation system, increased cleaning protocols and contactless ticketing options. These measures, as well as the masking and vaccination polices, are the result of careful monitoring of public health data and feedback from patrons. Recently, a survey was distributed to more than 80,000 Symphony supporters to determine what would make audiences most comfortable with a return to live performances. Participants overwhelmingly voiced a preference for a fully masked and fully vaccinated audience, which allows for the safe removal of socially distanced seating, which in turn increases access to the magic of a live orchestra.

The Seattle Symphony joins five area performance groups — including Seattle Opera, Pacific Northwest Ballet, The 5th Avenue Theatre, ACT - A Contemporary Theatre, and Seattle Rep — in requiring masking and vaccinations or negative COVID-19 testing to ensure a safe and successful return of the Seattle area arts.

For a full list of Benaroya Hall’s safety policies and ticketing options, please visit www.seattlesymphony.org/planyourvisit/safety or www.seattlesymphony.org/planyourvisit.

We can’t wait to see you at Benaroya Hall and to share in the joy of in-person performances.