San Antonio doesn’t have an abundance of professional performing arts groups, which is odd for the seventh-largest city in the country, but not surprising considering many of its residents prefer their cultural experiences to be country or conjunto dancing.

For a highbrow evening, however, it doesn’t get much better than the San Antonio Symphony (performances held at the Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St., 210/554-1010, www.sasymphony.org). The symphony’s season runs from late September until June, and features a diverse mix of classical, pops, family, and community programs, often with high-profile guest artists.

Long considered the crown jewel of San Antonio’s performing arts venues is the stunning Majestic Theatre (224 E. Houston St., 210/226-5700, www.majesticempire.com). This magnificent 1929 facility was originally constructed as an “atmospheric” palace for vaudeville shows and the emerging motion picture trend. It now serves as the home of the San Antonio Symphony and hosts an eclectic schedule of touring shows, from Broadway productions to world-renowned concert artists. A recent schedule of events reflects this mix: Phantom of the Opera, Art Garfunkel, Stomp!, and Spamalot.

The Majestic features an alluring interior described as “a Mediterranean amphitheater in a Moorish-Baroque style.” The main lobby includes ornately decorated plaster sculptures and a colossal ornamented chandelier, and the elaborate auditorium contains colorfully illuminated alcoves and grottos topped off by a simulated night sky, complete with twinkling stars and floating clouds.