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We aim to provide as many opportunities as possible for people to hear live orchestral music by touring the length and breadth of Scotland and around the world as proud ambassadors for Scottish cultural excellence. We are committed to ensuring that everyone can enjoy our performances, regardless of their access needs.

You can find more information below about website accessibility, venue access, accessible print, ticket pricing, our dementia-friendly concerts, and what to expect when you attend an SCO concert.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your access needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us – we’re here to help.


Website Accessibility


We’re committed to making our website as accessible as possible for all users.

If you need to adjust the text size, you can do this using your internet browser's toolbar.

Alternatively, you can use the following keyboard shortcuts:

  • Ctrl and + to increase the text size
  • Ctrl and - to decrease the text size


For other accessibility shortcuts, please visit the links below for information on Microsoft and Mac respectively.

Microsoft Accessibility Shortcuts
Mac Accessibility Shortcuts

Venue Access


We perform in a wide range of venues across Scotland and around the world, and accessibility can vary from place to place.

For the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting venues directly. You can find links to our most regular partner venues below, where you can check access details and plan your visit.

For access information in smaller venues, including most of our summer tour venues, please contact us.

Usher Hall, Edinburgh
The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh
Glasgow City Halls
Perth Concert Hall
Aberdeen Music Hall
Holy Trinity Church, St Andrews

Accessible Print


Each year, we produce a Braille brochure for our Winter Season. If you would like to receive a copy, please contact us – we’ll be happy to send one to you.

We also offer a large print version of the brochure, which is available to download from our website. You can find this by navigating to our Season page in the main menu. If you need help accessing it or would prefer a printed copy, just let us know.

Affordable Tickets


We offer a range of ticket discounts to make our concerts more affordable and accessible to all.

UNDER 18s

Anyone aged 18 or under can attend most SCO concerts for free. Please note that under 16s must be accompanied by a paying adult.

STUDENTS, UNDER 26s AND UNIVERSAL CREDIT RECIPIENTS

Full-time students, 19–26 year olds, and people receiving Universal Credit can book tickets to most SCO concerts for just £6.

PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY

We offer 50% off full-price tickets to people with a disability for all SCO concerts. Essential carer or companion tickets are available free of charge.

SPREAD THE COST

If you're booking multiple concerts through our Multibuy offer, you can choose to spread the cost over three monthly instalments by paying via Direct Debit.

Please note that there is a deadline for choosing this option, usually around four months before the first concert of the Season. Exact dates will be listed in the brochure and on booking forms.

Dementia-friendly Concerts


We run a series of dementia-friendly concerts throughout the year.

These relaxed performances are specially designed for people living with dementia and their friends, families, and carers. They’re shorter than our standard concerts, with familiar music, a welcoming atmosphere and light refreshments.

You can find out about our upcoming dementia-friendly performances on our What's on page.

Your Concert Experience


We want everyone to feel comfortable and welcome at our concerts. Here’s a guide to help you know what to expect:

Before the Concert
Most concerts last between 90 and 120 minutes, including a 20-minute interval.
Auditorium doors usually open 30 minutes before the performance starts, giving you plenty of time to find your seat. Many venues ring a bell or make announcements a few minutes before the concert begins to let everyone know it’s time to take their seats.

You can often enter the building earlier than that – sometimes up to an hour before the concert. While the auditorium won’t be open yet, you’ll be able to use the facilities or enjoy a drink at the bar.

When you arrive, venue staff will check your ticket at the door. You can show a printed ticket or display your e-ticket on your phone. They may scan the barcode or do a quick visual check.
If you can’t find your ticket, don’t worry – head to the box office where staff can check your booking and print a duplicate ticket.

Concert halls often have different sections, and if you’re unsure where to go, ushers will be happy to help you find your seat.

During the Concert
Once the concert is about to begin, the lights in the auditorium will dim. The orchestra is often already on stage, tuning their instruments. There’s usually applause when the conductor or soloist comes on stage.

At many of our concerts, one of our players or the conductor will say a few words of welcome and introduce the programme before the music begins.

Each piece of music varies in length. Some may be just a few minutes, while others can last an hour or longer.
Longer works are often divided into movements, and it’s typical to applaud only at the end of the whole piece, rather than between movements. If you're unsure when to clap, simply follow the rest of the audience.

Some pieces may be very quiet, while others can be quite loud and dramatic, especially with a full orchestra on stage. If you feel more comfortable wearing earplugs or ear defenders, please feel free to bring and use them.

Between pieces, our stage team may come on stage to rearrange chairs or bring on different instruments, depending on the next work being performed.

Interval and Breaks
At the interval, the lights will come back up. You’re welcome to leave the auditorium to stretch your legs, visit the bar, or use the facilities – or simply stay in your seat and relax. As the second half approaches, venues often ring a bell again or make another announcement to signal it’s time to return to your seat.

If you need to take a break during the concert, you’re welcome to quietly leave the auditorium at any point. Foyer areas are often peaceful and can be a good place to rest. If you’d like to return to the hall during the performance, ushers will let you back in at a suitable pause so that you don’t disturb other audience members.

After the Concert
Once the performance ends, most people leave the auditorium fairly quickly, especially if they’re catching a bus or train. Venue staff will be on hand to assist as you leave.