Posted September 2, 2025
Starting in the upcoming 2025-26 season, Denver Philharmonic Orchestra is proud to launch a bold new chapter in our story: Pay What You Can (PWYC) ticketing is now available for every concert… All. Season. Long.
This is not a limited-time offer or a one-time promotion. It’s a permanent, year-round program built on one powerful belief: everyone deserves access to live music, no matter their budget.
How It Works
Each performance now includes 100 Pay What You Can tickets, available to the public with no strings attached. You choose the price (starting at just $1) based on what’s comfortable for you.
Getting your ticket is simple:
- Visit our ticketing website
- Select a concert
- Choose the “Pay What You Can” ticket type at checkout
- Name your price. $1, $10, $20: whatever works for you
If PWYC tickets are sold out online, email us at tickets@denverphilharmonic.org or show up at the door. We’ll always do our best to find you a seat. No proof of income. No judgment. Just music.
Why We’re Doing This
As Executive Director Roger Haak puts it:
“Our most expensive ticket is $30. That’s modest by most standards—but we know even that can be too much for some. This program is here to meet people where they are: with dignity, not judgment.”
The PWYC initiative is a natural evolution of DPO’s long-standing commitment to accessibility. Over the last two seasons, we’ve distributed 5,000+ free and deeply discounted tickets to community members, and we’re proud to make this work permanent.
Help Keep Music Accessible
PWYC only works because of supporters like you. If you’re in a position to pay full price—or even give a little extra—your generosity helps cover the cost for someone else.
Every $30 donation offsets the cost of one full-price ticket for a neighbor in need. Even $5 or $10 helps us expand this program further and keep the music going strong.
👉 Support DPO and help us create a more inclusive, welcoming concert hall for all.
Full Press Release
Denver Philharmonic Orchestra Launches Year-Round Pay What You Can Ticketing
Denver, CO — In a bold move to expand access to the arts, the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra (DPO) will launch a year-round Pay What You Can (PWYC) ticketing program beginning September 2, 2025, coinciding with Classical Music Appreciation Month. Starting this fall, 100 PWYC tickets will be available for every performance, ensuring cost is never a barrier to experiencing the power of live classical music.
“This is more than just a promotion. It’s our values in action,” said Roger Haak, Executive Director of the DPO. “Our most expensive ticket is only $30, and while that’s modest by most standards, we recognize that for many, it’s still out of reach. This program is here to meet people where they are: with dignity, not judgment.”
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, patrons may 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.
The new program builds on the orchestra’s longstanding commitment to accessibility. Over the past two seasons, DPO has distributed more than 5,000 complimentary and deeply discounted tickets to community members, removing cost barriers for thousands of concertgoers. The PWYC initiative formalizes this ethos into a permanent part of the DPO experience.
PWYC is just one component of DPO’s broader, inclusive ticketing philosophy, which also includes:
- YouthTix: Free tickets for all patrons age 18 and under
- Deep discounts for students, teachers, seniors, healthcare workers, military personnel, and first responders
- Ongoing partnerships with community organizations serving people in need
“We don’t want anyone to feel like they have to ask for permission to enjoy live, classical music,” added Haak. “Come as you are—and know you’ll be welcomed. No proof of income. No judgment. Just music.”
To learn more or reserve tickets, visit denverphilharmonic.org
About the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra
Founded in 1948 by Dr. Antonia Brico (the first woman to conduct the New York Philharmonic), the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra (DPO) is one of the city’s most enduring and forward-thinking musical institutions. Now in its 78th season, DPO continues to redefine how the greater Denver communities experience classical music through innovative programming, inclusive initiatives like More Than Music and Take a Stand, and deep community partnerships. From Baroque to contemporary, DPO shares the power of music with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
For more information, please visit denverphilharmonic.org or contact tickets@denverphilharmonic.org