The Delaware Symphony Orchestra (DSO) will present all five of its 2016-2017 season Classics Series concerts on Friday evenings at The Grand Opera House on North Market Street in downtown Wilmington, Del. 

Its four-concert Chamber Series will remain on Tuesday evenings in the Hotel du Pont’s Gold Ballroom on 11th Street. “Our extensive audience surveying confirmed our thinking that a complete return to downtown Wilmington both serves our patrons and adds the DSO’s support and affirmation of the good work being done around Market Street to revitalize this area of the city,” said Executive Director Alan Jordan. “For several years, the Orchestra has divided its Classics Series between The Grand and private school auditoriums in the suburbs. This has benefited all, but now seems the right time for us to ‘come back home’ to The Grand.” The DSO will keep open the possibility of offering future presentations at the school facilities.

“The beautiful Grand Opera House, with its venerable history, lovely acoustics, and gracious environment are a wonderful match for the DSO,” said Music Director David Amado. “I am excited to be playing in this wonderful space and equally excited that we will be contributing to the vitality of our downtown. We hope our patrons and our musicians will enjoy being back at this wonderful venue for all of our concerts.”

In addition to the venue change, the DSO will return to reserved seating for its Classics Series concerts, introducing a new three-tiered price structure, with ticket prices starting at $14. Jordan said, “We want to remove that perceived barrier of exclusivity through limited pricing. Our goal is to make a night of live orchestral music as affordable as a night at the movies.” Regular ticket prices will be $14, $45, and $75, depending on seating section, with $10 tickets in any section for students age 21 and under. Additional Grand Opera House Box Office service charges will apply. Discounted five-concert Classics Series subscriptions will be available for $60, $195, and $335; student subscriptions will be available for $50.

Mark Fields, Executive Director of The Grand Opera House, said, “We are extremely pleased to have the Delaware Symphony Orchestra returning to The Grand for its entire Classics Concert series next season. Showcasing the artistry of our resident companies, including DSO, is part of our responsibility as a community cultural resource. And, there is no better setting in Delaware for the talents of Maestro Amado and the exceptional DSO musicians than the opulent and acoustic Copeland Hall.”

2016-2017 season Chamber Series tickets will be general admission for $60 each; student tickets will be $14. All tickets include complimentary desserts and coffee and tea during intermission. Discounted four-concert Chamber Series subscriptions will be available for $220 and $56 for students.

The 2016-2017 season repertoire will be announced soon.