Sydney Symphony Orchestra Removes Booking Fee From Its Shows

Mary Varvaris

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra has become one of the country’s first major arts organisations to offer “fully transparent, all-inclusive ticket pricing.”

Sigur Rós with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Sigur Rós with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra(Credit: Peter Dovgan)

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra has just made a major move that will make punters very happy, removing the pesky $8.95 booking fee on all tickets to its performances.

Making a push towards transparency, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra has become one of the country’s first major arts organisations to offer “fully transparent, all-inclusive ticket pricing.”

When purchasing tickets to shows directly from the organisation’s website, the booking fee has been scrapped for this year’s season and future seasons.

“The price you see is the price you pay, with no hidden costs at checkout,” the Sydney Symphony Orchestra shared on social media. “This makes it easier for everyone, including families, students and first-time concertgoers, to enjoy the magic of live orchestral music.”

Chief executive Craig Whitehead explained, “Buying a ticket should never be confusing or carry hidden costs. By removing booking fees, we’re ensuring the price you see is the price you pay.”

The booking fee was scrapped as of yesterday (17 March).

As Limelight Magazine notes, every other Symphony Orchestra across Australia charges a booking fee that’s tacked on to tickets to their shows. For example, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra currently charges an additional $7 per transaction.

Furthermore, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra charges a booking fee of $7.50, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra charges a transaction fee of $6.70, and the West Australian Orchestra charges a booking fee of $7.

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra has argued that removing its booking fee simplifies the ticket-buying process and makes pricing fairer for all, particularly for families, children, students, and Mob Tix.

Ticket prices for the Orchestra’s concerts begin at $36 and vary due to demand, film concerts, and guest performances.

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra is currently running a flash sale, where punters can purchase tickets to three concerts for $136. You can find more information about the sale here.

Upcoming concerts include Pull Out All The Stops, Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony, Anna Lapwood performs Max Richter, and more. You can book tickets to performances here.