What to expect

Will I recognize any of the music?

Odds are, you'll recognize far more than you realize. Many of today's popular songs, television shows and movies include or are taken from classical themes.

What is a concert season?

By season, we mean the months from March to December usually, when our regular subscription concerts take place. If you purchase three or more concerts you become a subscriber (you have purchased a subscription). Subscribers enjoy many benefits, including sitting in the same seats for every concert in their concert package and ticket exchange privileges.

What's the difference between our concerts in the Sydney Opera House and in the City Recital Hall Angel Place?

Generally we perform large orchestral symphonic choral works at the Sydney Opera House (for example: Verdi Requiem, Orff Carmina Burana and Mozart Requiem) and smaller, more intimate programs at Angel Place (for example: Monteverdi, Rameau, Bach and a cappella (works with singers only) music. Both venues have excellent acoustics and are great places to hear choral music.

When should I arrive?

We try our best to begin all concerts on time. To help reduce distracting noises during the performances, there are designated pauses in each program when late arrivals will be able to be seated. If you arrive late, you can listen to the concert over the monitors located in the foyer. However, we recommend that you wait close to your seating area's entrance so that we can seat you as soon as the pause occurs. Unfortunately, some concerts have no late seating. If you have to leave a concert before its end, please do so between program works.

How long is a typical performance?

Program length varies, but a typical Philharmonia performance lasts about two hours, including one 20 minute interval. Most other events run about the same length, some a little shorter, some a little longer.

What should I wear to concert?

Contrary to what many people think, formal attire -- such as tuxedos and evening gowns are not the norm at a concert. Most concert-goers wear business attire or slacks, skirts, sweaters, cocktail dresses, etc.

Although a concert is a formal occasion, where you watch and listen to musicians on the stage, you do not have to dress formally - you can make your evening as formal or informal as you like.

When should I clap?

The Choir will be the first on stage and may be there when you enter. Then the orchestra enters (led by the Concert Master) and waits for the conductor and soloists. It is usual to applaud as the conductor enters, and the Choir and Orchestra will rise to greet him or her.

Once the conductor lifts his baton and the music starts, a hushed atmosphere descends, allowing you to listen to the music and let it take you wherever you wish.

Generally, it is considered proper concert etiquette to clap only after a piece is complete. This means that, for example, if you're listening to Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, which has four movements, it is appropriate to clap after the last movement. You can look at your concert program to find out how many movements a work has. Usually, there is a 15- to 30-second pause in between movements. So, in the case of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, you know you're hearing the Finale after three pauses. If all else fails, you can always wait for the rest of the audience to clap before applauding.

When the applause starts, the conductor and soloists take a bow and walk off the stage. At the end of a concert, if the applause goes on for long enough, they may reappear for a second and third bow, and then the Orchestra will leave the stage followed by the Choir, which is the signal for the audience to leave.

What about other noises -- coughing, cell phones, pagers?

It is always best to turn off cell phones and pagers before entering the concert hall. Noises such as a pager going off or a cell phone ringing are very distracting to the conductor, the musicians and your fellow audience members.

Coughing is an unavoidable problem. But, there are ways to avoid coughing during the music. If you feel a cold coming on, please bring cough drops with you. The next step is crucial: unwrap them ahead of time. Unwrapping a cough drop during the music makes more noise than you might think. If you have none and you need to cough once or twice, please try to wait for the end of the movement. If that's not possible you can try to bury your cough in a louder section of music, rather than coughing in the midst of the most delicate pianissimo. And, either way, a handkerchief or scarf will further help to muffle the disruption. If you need to cough more than a couple of times, there's nothing wrong with getting up and excusing yourself from the Hall for the rest of the movement. Following these guidelines helps you be sensitive to your neighbors, and allows everyone to have a more pleasant concert experience.

Can I bring the kids?

Yes, Sydney Philharmonia has no restriction on bringing your children with you, but we may suggest particular seating if they are very young (in case you have to make a quick exit!)

We hope we have answered some of your questions. We look forward to seeing you soon.