After a successful trial last year, the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra (DPO) will again offer year-round Pay What You Can (PWYC) tickets. Under PWYC, patrons choose their own ticket price starting at $1, with no proof of income and no questions asked. Each performance sets aside 100 PWYC tickets, for 1,000 tickets available across the season’s five concert cycles and 10 performances.
Photo courtesy: Denver Philharmonic Orchestra
““I hate empty seats,” said Roger Haak, DPO’s Executive Director. “I will always prefer a seat with a person in it, regardless of the price they paid, over an empty seat. An empty seat is a sign that we haven’t done enough outreach to the people in our community who need arts and culture in their lives.
“Last season, we had 662 seats filled with people that might otherwise have gone empty, and that’s exactly what Pay What You Can is for.”
How It Works:
Patrons can access PWYC tickets by visiting denverphilharmonic.org, selecting a concert, and choosing the “Pay What You Can” option at checkout.
PWYC pricing starts at $1, and patrons are invited to contribute whatever amount fits their budget.
If the 100-ticket allotment is sold out, you can email tickets@denverphilharmonic.org to request a seat—or simply show up at the concert. DPO will never turn someone away due to lack of funds.
PWYC tickets will be available at all five concert cycles of DPO’s 79th season:
Undivided, October 9 and 10, 2026
Holiday Cheer!, December 11 and 12, 2026
Unconditionally Yours, February 13, 2027
Garden of Your Mind, March 19 and 20, 2027
Once Upon a Tune: The Phoenix Rises, May 21 and 22, 2027
Tickets are available online at denverphilharmonic.org.
DPO performances are held at Antonia Brico Stage at Central Presbyterian Church, 1660 N Sherman St., Denver (evenings) and Mapleton Arts Center, 7480 N. Broadway, Denver (matinees).
Founded in 1948 by Dr. Antonia Brico, the first woman to conduct the New York Philharmonic, the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra has become one of Denver’s most enduring and innovative musical institutions.
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