How do I buy tickets this year? There was no mailer.
We’ve moved to on-line tickets this year. Since all performances (but one) will be on the UW-Madison campus, you must order through Campus Arts Ticketing, click here.
If you are having trouble or need to order by phone, you may call 608-265-2787 to reach the box office. If you need special seating, please email boxoffice@union.wisc.edu. Call BDDS at 608-255-9866 for additional help.
What form will my tickets take this year?
You can select “mail” or “print at home” tickets. “Print at home” tickets can either be printed or you can show your e-ticket at the hall on your mobile device. All of our tickets, whether purchased online, by phone, or in-person cost the same––there are no “convenience” fees for any option. So buy your tickets now, and breeze right past the box office and straight to your seat!
Where do I park?
- Collins Recital Hall in Hamel Music Center, Mead Witter School of Music: NOTE! THE State Street Campus Garage IS CLOSED FOR RECONSTRUCTION. However, the entrance on Frances Street remains open.
- The Lucky Building (formerly University Square) across the street on University Avenue also has public parking .
- Visit Parkopedia for all nearby options here.
What are the performance halls like?
Each performance hall is special in its own way.
- Collins Recital Hall in the Hamel Music Center (740 University Avenue, Madison) is a brand-new, state-of-the-art theater of 299 seats. More info can be found in this Isthmus article Collins Recital Hall
- All theaters are indoors. Both halls are air-conditioned.
How can I get more information?
For information on tickets, performances, programs, parking, restaurants, or anything else having to do with your BDDS experience, call our World Wide Headquarters at 608-255-9866, or browse our website to learn more and sign up for our BDDS E-newsletter.
What should I wear to a BDDS performance?
We’ll never tell you how to dress! Most people opt for business casual, but jeans are fine, too. We want you to be comfortable, and whether you wear a great print on your shirt or body part, everyone is welcome at our concerts.
How long do most concerts last?
Our concerts last about two hours, fun surprises!
What’s up with your name? Is there dancing, do I have to dance?
We encourage your brain to dance while listening to our concerts; you may even feel like moving to the beat in your seat. What we do best is perform chamber music.
Do you offer reserved seating in the new Collins Recital Hall?
Yes! All seating for ticket-holders in Collins Recital Hall on the UW-Madison campus is reserved! Also, prime seating in Collins Hall can be purchased for an additional charge. Prime seats are the first several rows in the orchestra and the first row in the balcony.
What if I have special seating needs?
BDDS is dedicated to making sure each patron enjoys its concert. Wheelchair and other special-needs seating is available in Collins Recital Hall in Madison. Please email Campus Arts Ticketing at boxoffice@union.wisc.edu with special seating requests. You may also call the box office at 608-265-2787. If you need to speak to someone at BDDS, call 608-255-9866. Of course, you may also contact an usher at one of our performances..
What if I arrive late?
As concerts begin promptly at the scheduled time, latecomers will be seated at a natural break in the music. If you must leave the hall during the performance, please do so quietly. Re-entry while the concert is in progress is at the discretion of our ushers.
Are there any other concert hall policies?
Use of cameras or recording devices is strictly prohibited inside the concert hall. Bottled water is permitted in the concert halls. We also ask that you turn off cell phones, beepers, alarm watches, and anything else that might go “beep” during the concert. Need we say it? Please refrain from texting during the performance as it is super distracting to your fellow audience members (we’ve all been that person in the next seat).
Can I exchange tickets for another performance?
Tickets are non-refundable but exchanges are permitted with 48 hours notice. Contact Campus Arts Ticketing at boxoffice@union.wisc.edu or 608-265-2787.
How can full time students enjoy BDDS?
Full time students with a valid student ID can purchase a BDDS student ticket for only $10.00 for any available seat in the house (with the exception of prime seating). Please show a valid student ID at the ticket window or follow the prompts if ordering online.
Can I bring my children to concerts?
Introducing children to the spectacular world of chamber music is a gift that will last a lifetime. Children six years of age and older are welcome to enjoy the music.
What if I can’t make it to the concert?
If you can’t attend concert for which you’ve purchased tickets, consider donating them back to the BDDS for resale. Call BDDS at 608-255-9866 until noon on the day of the concert. We will mail you a receipt acknowledging your tax-deductible donation.
We’re coming in from out-of-town for a Madison performance. Where can we stay?
BDDS recommends the historic Livingston Inn on Gorham Street in Madison. 608-238-6317. Let Peggy know we recommended her!
I want to bring a group to a concert – do we receive ticket discounts?
Absolutely! Enjoy music with friends for 25% off the regular ticket price (for groups of 10 or more). Please call BDDS at 608-255-9866 for more information.
Do I need to “prepare” for BDDS concerts in order to appreciate the music?
While you can always enjoy the music as it is performed, you can enhance your concert experience with a better understanding of the background stories behind the music. In addition to musicians speaking about the music from the stage, you will find notes in our concert program about what you will hear. Another great way to learn about some music is to do a little Internet surfing and subscribe to our BDDS E-newsletter.
When should I applaud?
We love your enthusiastic applause! Feel free to applaud during the musician’s entrance onto the stage and after the piece is finished (usually when the musicians stand up). Composers usually create a work as a whole, which is often made up of several movements. We list the number of movements for each work in our program. Of course, back in the day it would be an insult to withhold applause during a piece, so if you feel moved…let ‘er rip!