There are a few things in life worth trying. While every person has their own bucket list, you should definitely consider adding ‘attending a symphony concert’ to that list. The first experience is always arousing and special, and if you are in a city like Dallas, you will find many events to choose from. In this guide, we are suggesting all you need to know before attending a symphony.
- “I don’t know anything about classical music.”
Chances are high that you have heard and enjoyed classical music in movies, but if you know nothing about the genre, you can still have a good time at the concert. In other words, you don’t need to study about classical music before coming to the symphony. Just sit back and relax.
- What’s the experience like?
A symphony orchestra involves an ensemble of musicians playing a wide range of instruments, including woodwinds, brass, strings, and percussion, according to a score. There is a person called the conductor, who instructs the musicians and coordinates everything. The first person to come to the stage is the concertmaster – the lead violinist, while the conductor comes next, and the symphony begins. Each show can last for an hour or more, depending on the concert.
- Things to know
First and foremost, ensure that you arrive for the symphony in time, at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time. If you have arrived late, wait for the usher to guide you on entering the hall, during a pause. Your phone should be on silent, airplane, or switched-off mode, and if you are someone like a doctor or have a profession, where you expect emergency calls, let the usher know beforehand. As for the attire, formal attire is usually expected, but many halls do allow for semi-casual attire. If you have a doubt, call the hall and ask.
- Are children allowed at symphony concerts?
This depends on whether the event is appropriate for children. Some are very serious symphony concerts, where no distraction is expected from guests, and there may be a norm to not allow children under a certain age. However, you will also find many concerts that are meant for children and have a much shorter format.
- When should guests applaud?
When the concertmaster and conductor come on the stage, guests are expected to applaud, and after that, you have to wait for a piece to end. At some concerts, guests only applaud after the end of symphony.
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