Symphony Nova Scotia’s School Open Rehearsals are a chance for school-age children to experience the symphony onstage in the concert hall at a very reduced price.

An emcee or the guest artist will guide your students’ experience and provide information about the rehearsal process. Please note that all of these events are working rehearsals, and are not intended to replace a live concert experience.

This is an opportunity to watch and listen to the symphony in action as the musicians get ready for a concert. Your students will attend a dress rehearsal, so the music will be getting the final polishing for public audiences but the players won’t be formally dressed.  

All School Open Rehearsals take place at the Dalhousie Arts Centre, 6101 University Avenue, Halifax. The start time is always 10:30 am on the morning of the day of the regular concert.

Symphony Nova Scotia is developing Teacher Guides for performances.

2025/26 Open Rehearsals

MENDELSSOHN’S SCOTTISH & BRUCH’S VIOLIN
Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 10:30 am
The Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, Halifax

Hear Bruch’s Violin Concerto – one of the most hauntingly beautiful works ever composed for violin, adored the world over for its sparkling, romantic solos and expressive melodies – alongside Mendelssohn’s moody, atmospheric “Scottish” Symphony, inspired by the rugged Scottish Highlands.

NEON DREAMS
Friday, May 8, 2026 at 10:30 am
The Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, Halifax

With a string of impressive awards, gold and platinum singles, sold-out international appearances, and over 100-million streams, Halifax’s own Neon Dreams are alt-pop pioneers. Don’t miss their orchestral debut with the Symphony!

• Cost: $12 for students and adults (HST included).
• These rehearsals will run for approximately 2 hours 30 minutes with a 20 minute intermission.

Want to bring your students to an open rehearsal? Please register now!