13.2.2025

New VIP Area Elevates the Concert Experience for Wheelchair Users at Jyväskylä Sinfonia

Paviljongin pyörätuoliasiakkaiden VIP-tilan kuva.

Starting this spring season, Jyväskylä Sinfonia is offering wheelchair users a new way to enjoy concerts with the introduction of a specially designated VIP area. Located on the 4th floor of Paviljonki, the VIP area features four wheelchair-accessible seats along with seating for accompanying assistants. The space provides a direct view of the Encore Hall stage through glass windows, which can be opened or closed as needed, for example, to adjust sound levels.

“The new VIP area offers significantly improved conditions for wheelchair users compared to previous seating options. Now, the entire orchestra can be seen, including the back rows – something that was not possible when sitting on the main floor,” says Jyväskylä Sinfonia’s Communications and Administration Manager Jenni Hakola.

“The acoustics in the VIP area are excellent, and this new arrangement will allow for a completely new way to enjoy concerts,” says Jyrki Ahlgrén, Chairperson of the Jyväskylä Regional Association for the Disabled and a member of the Jyväskylä Culture and Sports Board.

A Peaceful Concert Experience in the VIP Area

The VIP area is located on the 4th floor of Paviljonki and is accessible via a direct elevator from the main lobby. Security personnel in the lobby are available to assist guests if needed. The nearest accessible restrooms are on the 3rd floor and in the main lobby.

“The secluded nature of this space also allows for discreet medical procedures without disturbing other guests. Additionally, individuals with sensory sensitivities may find it easier to enjoy the concert in a private space rather than in a crowded hall,” explains Ahlgrén’s assistant, Essi Virtanen.

Wheelchair-accessible seats in the VIP area are available exclusively for Jyväskylä Sinfonia concerts and not for other Paviljonki events. Tickets can be purchased through Jyväskylä Sinfonia’s online store, at the Jyväskylä Info Point (2nd floor of Forum shopping center), as well as at Lippu.fi service points and online.

For standard symphony concerts, VIP ticket pricing is based on the customer category (standard │ senior │ discount groups = under 16, students, unemployed individuals, veterans, conscripts, and civil service personnel). For entertainment concerts, VIP tickets are priced according to the lowest ticket category. Wheelchair users' assistants are entitled to a free companion ticket.