A Guide to Orchestra Music

Answers to Common Questions:

What should I wear?

Most concertgoers come in business or business casual clothing. You might prefer to be a little more dressed up, especially if it's a special occasion, or you might prefer to be a little more casual.

When should I arrive?

We try our best to begin all concerts on time. Therefore, we recommend that you try to arrive no later than 15 minutes before the concert is scheduled to begin, even earlier if you still need to purchase tickets. 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 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 performance lasts between one and a half and two hours, including one intermission. “Kiddie” Concerts are typically one hour in length.

When do I clap?

Many works in classical music, such as a Beethoven symphony or Mozart piano concerto, have three or more movements or sections. A short pause usually falls in between each of them. It has become customary over time not to clap during these short pauses. To find out the number of movements (and corresponding number of pauses) in a piece, turn to the program page in your program book. You will find that each work is usually separated by several spaces, with movements indicated where they occur. Typically, audiences wait until the end of each movement of a complete work before clapping.

Can I bring my cellular phone?

Pagers and cellular phones should be turned off or set on vibrate before entering the theatre. Patrons wearing alarm watches are also requested to turn them off before entering the theatre. Please contact any RPO volunteers before entering the theatre if emergency notification may be required.

Can I take pictures?

Typically, no still cameras, video cameras or tape recorders are permitted at any RPO performance, as a courtesy to the musicians, who may be distracted by camera flashes, or camera or tape noises.

Can I bring my children?

Children are welcome at all RPO concerts. The orchestra requests that all children be accompanied by a paying adult and that they remain with the adult throughout the performance.