How to survive your first classical music concert
Classical music concerts can be exciting, engaging, and frankly, beautiful. But one thing we often don’t acknowledge is how intimidating they can be, especially for first-time concertgoers. Sitting still in a dark hall amongst strangers for hours at a time can be an uncomfortable experience for some, and at worst, agonizing. For those new to the concert hall, there are ways to improve your experience and truly enjoy the beauty of a live performance.
Classical music is for everyone, and now more than ever, people want to take part in it. A study by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra showed that, in 2023, 84% of people wished to experience an orchestral concert, up from 79% in 2018. If you are new to classical music, welcome! I hope the following can provide some reassurance for any worries you have about attending your first concert.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
One of the keys to enjoying a classical music concert is understanding the context of the music. Learning a little information about the composers, the eras of the pieces, and the major musical moments will lend you a richer concert experience, and make you feel more confident going into the performance.
One easy way to gain this knowledge is reading the program, usually compiled by the orchestra or presenter. Many classical music organizations have shifted to virtual programs that are typically available to read on their websites. The program notes will cover the basics of the pieces being performed, and give you insights into the conductor and musicians.
In addition to the program information, I’d recommend listening to the pieces on the concert ahead of time. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra does a great job encouraging this, with curated playlists for each of their concerts readily available on Spotify. Even if you have it on as just background music, you’ll be able to recognize some of the musical themes come concert time.
Many orchestras are now offering free discussions, open rehearsals, or other events prior to the concert that enrich the musical experience. If you are totally new to the world of classical music, the events are a great way to learn about the repertoire and feel more comfortable in the concert hall. And who knows, you might meet a new concert buddy! Check the orchestra or presenter’s website for more information.
PUT ON A FUN OUTFIT!
Classical music is notorious for stuffy fashion; however, many concertgoers are becoming more creative or casual with the way they dress. If you’re concerned about what to wear to your first concert, I’d recommend business casual, but get creative with it! One of my favorite parts of going to a concert is getting dressed up and doing my makeup. Take it as an opportunity to show off your best fit! If you’re looking for a more casual style, matinees are often more relaxed than evening concerts.
ARRIVE EARLY
Most classical concerts start right on time, so be sure to be in your seat before the opening notes. I like to arrive at the concert hall 20 minutes before the start of the performance. The extra time will give you a chance to read the program (if you haven’t already), take some photos (since you’re all dressed up!), chat with friends, and maybe grab a drink!
PHONES ARE A NO-GO
Though it can be tempting to have your phone out for pictures during the concert, make sure to completely silence it for the full performance. Concert halls are extremely resonant spaces, so any quiet sounds, like a phone vibrating, can get amplified, sometimes all the way up to the musicians. Save yourself the stress and just turn it off. I honestly appreciate the two hours of zero notifications.
A NOTE ON CLAPPING
For many first-time concertgoers, the topic of when to clap can be an anxiety-inducing one. Here’s how applause is typically handled in a classical concert setting:
The audience claps at the end of each piece.
For larger works like symphonies, it can be tricky to understand when the piece officially ends due the multiple movements. The orchestra will pause between these movements; however, this is for musical reasons, not for applause. A good rule of thumb is to wait to applaud until the conductor turns around to face the audience.
Do not applaud after solos, no matter how beautiful they may be!
When in doubt, follow the audience members around you.
Personally, I do not mind “ill-timed” applause, but some audience members find it distracting from their experience. Fully immersing yourself in the music looks different for everyone. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you accidently let loose a clap or two.
Sounding too stuffy? You’re not alone! Many concertgoers today want to change the experience to be more inclusive and accessible to all audiences. Today’s silent reverence for classical music didn’t even become the norm until the 19th century. Some of the music on your program was probably first performed in a rowdy concert hall with food, drink, and of course, gossip!
When attending a concert today, the most important rule is to respect those around you, and enjoy the music.
Many orchestras today offer sensory-friendly performances designed for people of any age with an autism spectrum disorder or sensory sensitivity, and their families. Typically, the concerts include modifications such as relaxed house rules, reduced volume and lighting levels, extra space for movement, and quiet room spaces. These performances vary depending on the orchestra. Check your local music organization’s website for availability and/or more information.
Lauren attending a Baltimore Symphony concert at Strathmore last year with her boyfriend Evan– a band director and concert expert!