The grand hall of the Julio Prestes railway station was converted in 1999 into the home of the Sao Paulo State Symphony, with a coffered ceiling that can be raised and lowered in sections to tune the acoustics to the programme. It is widely rated among the best concert halls in South America. The orchestra's season runs most of the year, tickets are inexpensive by international standards, and there are free open rehearsals some mornings. Same caution as the Pinacoteca about the surrounding streets after dark.