Classical Music Concert Etiquette
 

Attending a concert of classical music is a very different experience from attending a concert of jazz or popular music (rock, rap, country, etc.) Although some audience members may be initially intimidated by the more formal general atmosphere of a classical concert, the rules of etiquette for such a concert are actually straightforward and simple once you get used to them.

Basically, Audience members should recognize that performers are trying their best to present an enjoyable musical experience for everyone. To do this, performers must focus on many details. The performer's intense concentration can be interrupted by little things that may seem trivial to audience members. The following suggestions can help audience members show respect to performers, the other audience members and help performers do their best.

Arrival Time

Leave early and allow enough time for parking and traffic. If you do arrive late, wait by the doors until the first piece (not just a movement) is finished, then discreetly take the nearest seat available.

Talking

Talking is not only distracting to the performer, but to every person in the audience. You'd be surprised at how well even a whisper carries in a concert hall.  It would be best to reserve your comments until intermission or after the concert.

Other Noises

Avoid rustling your program, tapping your foot, bouncing your legs, etc. Pagers and cell phones should be turned off. Watches
set to beep on the hour should also be turned off. These high-pitched beeps are distracting to everyone.

Coughing

It is hard to avoid a spontaneous cough. Be prepared with some type of cough drops or candies. Avoid cellophane wrappers.
Many come with a soft wax-paper wrapping that will be much less noisy.

Taking Pictures

Refrain from taking any photographs during a performance. The click of a camera and especially the flash are very distracting.
Pictures should be taken after the performance.

Children

Children need exposure to good music and live performances, and could be taught the basics to concert etiquette.  One thing to take into consideration before taking young childrem to a concert is whether they could sit long enough through a concert.

Clapping and Showing Appreciation

When you read your program, you will probably notice between two and five major compositions of music, with several movements listed as subcategories of each. It is best not to clap between movements of a larger composition. Certainly, though, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between movements and keep track of where the performers are in the course of the program, particularly if you are unfamiliar with classical music. Therefore, if you are unsure of whether or not clapping is appropriate, follow the lead of the experienced audience members around you. Also note that a slight pause after the end of a composition is sometimes granted by the audience before applause begins, which is basically a way of savoring the “magic” of the music before breaking the spell with clapping.

Please note, when applause does begin at the end of a composition, you may hear other members of the audience shouting “Bravo!” or “Brava!” This is completely acceptable when it occurs after the completion of a performance, and simply means “Well done!” Audience members may also stand (as in a “standing ovation”) when a performance is particularly noteworthy. A further extension of appreciation by the audience or individuals is exhibited when flowers are presented to the soloist(s) during this time of applause.

Curtain Calls and Encores

Once applause begins after the completion of a composition, you will see that the soloist may leave the stage for a few moments and then return to the stage. This is called a curtain call and may happen repeatedly if the applause continues. If audience enthusiasm remains sustained, after much applause, the performers may return to the stage and resume performance positions, thereby signaling to the audience that they will be performing an encore, or bonus performance. This may continue through several encores if the performers are feeling energetic and the audience excited, but will generally not last more than an extra half hour.

Dress

Traditionally, people are more dressed up for classical concerts to show respect for the occasion. However,  I believe people should dress in whatever clothes they feel comfortable in, providing it's not too loud or disruptive.

Just one note to the ladies (or perhaps gents):  please don't wear large hats which may obstruct other audience members' view, and avoid wearing strong perfumes/colognes/after-shaves as some people may have allergies or be prone to headaches

Despite these several and perhaps complicated rules of etiquette for attending a concert of classical music, once you get used to the general protocol, they will come as second nature. The rewards of following these rules are great, and will almost always result in greater enjoyment for you as well as for your fellow audience members.