Symphony Nova Scotia

A lovely performance of Handel’s Messiah (you’d recognize the hallelujah chorus) and it was sold out. Did you know students and under 30s get most tickets for only $ 15? It’s a steal! We had a great time at the concert but they only do it two nights in Dec. The wine at intermission was $ 6.50 but the line ups for the washroom were crazy.

I love classical music, and I think there is no better way to become acquainted with the tradition of classical music through a live performance. I’ve been a semi-​regular attendee of the Nova Scotia Symphony since I was a high schooler and I developed a love of classical music while becoming a serious-​ish clarinet player for the (nerd alert) provincial wind ensemble. I don’t play anymore, but I still love listening and I’m so happy that we have a local symphony here in Halifax.
I probably attend performances at least twice a season because tickets are truly affordable as I’m eligible for the under-​30 pricing through the TD Access Pass. At roughly $ 15 a ticket, I’m always up for the Symphony! Normal ticket price is $ 50-​ish, which isn’t bad, but the break on price really does help encourage the youngins’ to get out to a performance or two.
What I love about the Symphony is the pure energy of the conductor, the smiles on the faces of the performers and the visible excitement from everyone on stage, and in the audience as well. I also love observing the crowd — it’s clearly a dedicated fan base, and I’m proud to be a part of the group of patrons that so dedicatedly support the Symphony.
At the most recent performance they announced that on average, more than 50% of the performances sell out, so it makes sense to plan your ticket purchase in advance. Don’t miss out — it’s really a cultural highlight here in Halifax.

Warning: this review is heavily biased given my personal love of music, classical music, live performances, symphonies, and orchestras. It is also suspect given my own history as a mediocre clarinet performer that inevitably also led to a one-​time performance with Symphony Nova Scotia.
One-​time because that’s what it was supposed to be, not because I was terrible. Although, I’m sure I was that too.
I’ve never really realized it but I guess I end up at Symphony Nova Scotia performances a couple of times a year. From classical nights to holiday shows to the occasional mash-​up with a popular vocalist, I really just love it all. I love going to the Rebecca Cohn, I love that they’ve perfected the acoustics for their symphony, I love the eclectic crowd you end up running with, and I love seeing the smiles on the performer’s faces as they play for a sold-​out crowd.
Watch the cellists next time you come to see what it really looks like when someone loves their job.
Tickets are usually in the $ 50 – 60 range for regular shows but here’s the pro-​tip for you youngun Unilocalers: we can score Under-​30 tickets for most shows for anywhere from $ 15 – 20. Think about it — that’s less than what you pay to go see a movie with a bag of popcorn. After last night, I was inspired to look at package tickets for next season and there’s even a four-​concert package for under $ 80. Amazing!
I love that they work to make going to the Symphony more accessible for folks and I can’t wait to take more in over the 2012 – 13 season.