Concert Etiquette
What is Chamber Music?
Chamber music was originally written to be performed in a room (or chamber) so it is performed by a small group of musicians and/or singers. Recitals are performed by one musician usually with one or more accompanying musicians.
Noise during the concert
Any noise from the audience distracts the performers and can detract from the performance for the other audience members. Sometimes concerts are being recorded so keeping noise to a minimum gives the best result.
Please turn mobile phones, pagers and watches with alarms off or to silent .
If you have a cough and would like to take cough lozenges it’s a good idea to unwrap them before the concert starts and wrap them in something that doesn’t crackle. (someone will make their fortune selling lozenges with dissolvable wrappers!) If you do have to cough you can cut down the decibels considerably by coughing into a handkerchief.
When to clap?
A good rule of thumb if you don’t know when it is appropriate to clap is to wait until the majority of the audience is doing so and then join in. It is customary to applaud when the musicians first come out on the stage and after the interval, and after each piece has finished. Some classical pieces of music have several sections called “movements” (like chapters of a book if you like) and in between these movements the music will stop for a few seconds. Most people will not clap between movements.
Encores
After the final piece the ensemble will usually leave the stage and then return for another bow. Sometimes they may stay on stage until the applause dies down and play an extra work – an encore. These are not listed in the program.
What if I arrive late?
It’s not a problem – you may just be in the spotlight when you do enter. The ushers will open the doors for you during an appropriate break in the music. If your tickets are for particular seats, don’t try and find them – just sit somewhere and find your actual seat after the piece has finished or even after interval.
Interval
Most concerts have an interval – a break in the middle of the concert where the performers leave the stage for around 20 minutes. You are welcome to stand up and stretch your legs, visit the restrooms, etc. Some venues offer drinks for purchase at interval but most venues don’t allow you to take the drinks back inside the auditorium (space where the performance happens). Some more informal venues will allow drinks in the auditorium (for example The Promethean) – just ask the catering staff.
Dress
You certainly don’t have to wear formal attire such as suits or evening dresses to attend concerts. Most venues and ensembles suggest you wear what is comfortable. However, in the more formal venues (such as the Adelaide Town Hall) and venues that are churches (St Peter’s Cathedral, St John’s in Halifax Street) you may feel underdressed in casual clothing.
Photos/Video cameras
Taking photos or using video or audio recording devices is not permitted at any time.