Concert Etiquette

It seems that there are a lot of preconceptions about attending classical events and how they differ from other forms of live entertainment - rock gigs, for instance. Well, there are some differences, probably all stemming from a certain level of quiet required in order to hear the instruments properly - after all, they are not amplified. But don't think of this as stifling, see it as intensifying the atmosphere, as you settle back to enjoy some of the greatest music ever written, performed by musicians who have trained in their craft since they were children.

The usual practice in an orchestral concert is that the musicians come out unceremoniously and take their seats. Then, the leader of the orchestra (the chief violinist) arrives and receives a round of applause. Finally the conductor, along with any soloists, pitches up and receives a bigger round of applause.

It is rare for a conductor or performer to talk to the audience during a concert; consequently, without the aid of a programme booklet, it is possible to pass an evening with no idea of what is being played. Therefore, it is worth taking (the Great Performers programmes are free) or buying one, as it contains not just the basic information but essays explaining the works in detail along with short biographies of composers and performers. Thus, you will not only be better educated as to what you are hearing, but it will provide something to read during a particularly dull section. If you find the booklet to be too expensive, you can still find the basics (names of the performers and music, plus running order) in the venue's free season guide, available from racks around the foyer.

Clapping

There is an ongoing debate in classical circles about when and to clap. Obviously, if a piece of music is in one movement (that is, without any breaks), one should applaud when it is finished. However, some forms of music come in sections. A symphony, for instance, usually has four movements. In between each of these the orchestra stops and everyone has a good cough. It has become performance practice in modern times that the audience does not usually clap during these breaks, saving the demonstration of its appreciation until the end. As to how soon one claps following the end of a piece, that depends on the joy or solemnity of the work. Best advice is to wait until everyone else has started clapping then join in.

Eating and drinking

Very few venues permit food or drink in the concert hall, except under certain circumstances - late-night concerts, for instance. Strictly speaking, such activities belong outside, as they are a distraction to others and thus constitute selfish behaviour. Of course, if you have a cough, do bring a bottle of water.

Intervals

There is usually one interval in the middle of a concert; most shows last two hours from start to finish. Behaviour during the interval is the same as at any other event. You can mill about and chat, drink coffee or steel yourself with the hard stuff from the bar. (A tip: given the amount of people turning up to the bar at once, and the limited number of bar staff and quaffing time of around 20 minutes, professionally minded drinkers should order and pay for interval drinks before the concert. Your freshly poured refreshments will then be sitting ready for you.)

Expense

Opera has a reputation as being astronomically expensive - and yes, you can pay more than £200 for the best seats at Covent Garden… but you can also pay £20 and sit at the back. Concerts, however, are rarely anywhere near as expensive and one can see the world’s best in the Barbican’s Great Performers series with tickets starting from £7.

Dress code

It is probably fair to say that at most concerts there is no dress code. Some people, of course, quite rightly, like to make a night of it by dressing up in their finery, but in most venues, jeans and T-shirts are fine – just wear whatever you feel most comfortable in.

Talking and mobile phones

The concert hall is simply not the place to be texting or Tweeting. Mobiles should be turned off for the duration. Anyway, apart from them being outrageously distracting to others, if you want to get the most out of the event, you will need to concentrate on what is going on. Of course after the performance, you can let everyone know what a great time you had.