Before the Concert

The South Carolina Philharmonic is based in Columbia, South Carolina and performs throughout the season at the Koger Center for the Arts. Over the years we have expanded our programming to include a POPS series at Harbison Theatre at MTC. Our goal is to continue to reach new audiences and perform in new venues, better living up to our name to serve the state!

Koger Center for the Arts

1051 Greene St, Columbia, SC 29201

Masterworks Series concert tickets range from $16 - $56 each. We also offer half-priced tickets to active and retired military, students (with ID), and folks who qualify for SNAP benefits. The easiest way to save is by purchasing season tickets for all six concerts!

There is no dress code! Most people will be wearing business casual or slightly dressy casual clothes, but you’ll see everything from jeans to cocktail dresses. Some people enjoy dressing up and making a special night of it. Most important - you feel comfortable.

It’s going to be fun! We encourage you to let go of any preconceptions you may have about classical music or the concert experience. Seeing a symphony is awe-inspiring. There is something about the live experience that just can’t be beaten.

The music will absolutely speak for itself. Just come and enjoy it! Over time, many frequent concertgoers do find deeper enjoyment if they prepare for a concert. This can be simple, like reading the program notes beforehand.

We send out a Spotify playlist of each Masterworks concert via email and social media a few weeks before the show, and our Music Director gives a short pre-concert talk before each Masterworks performance beginning at 6:30 PM.

Probably! Classical music is all around us in commercials, movie soundtracks, television themes, cartoons, retail shops, and even some elevators. Popular music often quotes classical melodies, as well. Hearing it performed live by a full orchestra is a completely different experience, though.

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before concert time, so you can find your seat, check your phone and absorb the atmosphere. If you’re late, you may end up listening for a few minutes from the lobby. If that happens, the usher will show you your seat at a pause in the program so your arrival won’t disturb other concertgoers.

It varies, but most Philharmonic concerts are about 90 minutes to two hours long, with an intermission at the halfway point.

We do ask you to silence and put your phone away before the concert begins. Any questions? Drop by our info table in the lobby and we’d be happy to answer them.

Audio and video recording are not allowed at South Carolina Philharmonic concerts out of respect for the performers and your fellow concertgoers.

Absolutely! It’s a great experience for children seven and older. Children under seven get half-price tickets.

Our Masterworks Series concerts represent our largest program. We play pieces by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Bernstein, Mozart, Copland, and more. The Pops Series is where you’ll hear “popular” music like movie music, Holiday music, Broadway, etc.