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Below are answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs), dining ideas and other information that may enhance the musical experience, not only for those who are attending a Symphonia concert for the first time, but also for our loyal season subscribers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: I've never been to an orchestra concert before. What should I expect?
A: Expect to enjoy yourself! This is the time to let go of any preconceptions you may have about classical music or the concert experience. Some things about the concert may seem strange because they're new to you; but if you just focus on the music, you'll have a great time. Let the music trigger your emotions—maybe even your memories. Watch the musicians and the conductor; see how they interact with each other. Notice how the music ebbs and flows, surging and powerful at some times, delicate and ephemeral at others—and everything in between.
Q: Will I recognize any of the music?
A: You might. Classical music is all around us: in commercials, movie soundtracks, television themes, cartoons, retail shops and even in some elevators! Popular music often quotes classical melodies, too. Whether or not you've heard the music before the concert, as you listen you will notice that a piece may repeat several tunes, in different ways. You'll start to "recognize" these melodies as the music progresses. Listen for the ways a melody is reiterated: Is it exactly the same as the first time, or with a different character? Is it played by the same instruments, or different ones? Does it start the same as before, but go off in a different direction? Or start differently and surprise you by developing into the tune you recognize from earlier in the piece?
Q: What should I wear?
A: Whatever makes you feel comfortable is fine. Most people will be wearing business clothes or slightly dressy casual clothes, but you'll see everything from khakis to cocktail dresses. Tank tops are, however, not considered concert dress.
Q: How long will the concert last?
A: The length of a program varies, but most orchestra concerts last between ninety minutes to two hours, with an intermission at the halfway point. Generally there will be several pieces in the concert.
Q: When should I clap?
A: At the beginning of the concert, the concertmaster will come onstage. The audience claps as a welcome to and as a sign of appreciation for all the musicians. After the orchestra tunes, the conductor (and possibly a soloist) will come onstage. Everyone claps to welcome them, too. Then everything settles down and the music begins. In most classical concerts—unlike jazz or pop—the audience never applauds during the music, waiting until the end of each work. But this can be a little tricky, because concertos or symphonies have several parts, or "movements" (these are listed in your program). In general, musicians and your fellow listeners prefer not to hear applause during the pauses between these movements, so they can concentrate on the progression from one movement to the next.
Q: What should I do with my cell phone during the concert?
A: Turn it off! The same goes for pagers and alarm watches. In consideration of the audience and the musicians, it’s better to leave them at home if you can. Doctors and emergency workers who are "on call" can give their pagers to an usher, who will summon them quietly if they are paged.
Q: May I take pictures?
A: Cameras, video recorders and tape recorders are not permitted in concerts. If you happen to have one with you, leave it in your pocket or check it with one of the ushers before you enter the auditorium.
Q: Why is there an intermission, and what should I do during it?
A: It's a short rest period for the musicians and conductor—once you see how much activity goes into a performance, you'll understand why they need a break! And a break helps the audience concentrate better in the second half. Most intermissions are fifteen to twenty minutes long, which gives you time to socialize with your companions, get a drink or a snack in the lobby, visit the facilities or remain in your seat to read the program notes.
Q: May I bring my kids?
A: It depends on the concert and on the age of your kids. Many standard-length classical concerts are inappropriate for small children because they require an attention span that is difficult for youngsters to maintain. Most concerts are held at night and may stretch beyond "bedtime." If your children are very young, you all will enjoy our Family and Holiday Concerts, which are presented on weekends; these performances provide a splendid opportunity for families to enjoy classical music together. When children are old enough to sit quietly for an extended period, you may wish to bring them to the first half of a standard concert.
Q: Why are the musicians onstage playing before the concert begins?
A: Just as basketball players will take shots and practice moves before the game, musicians need to warm up their muscles and focus their concentration. This is fun to hear and watch. Some of them are working on the passages they need to polish up before the performance, some are talking and others are paging through their music. Not all of the orchestra players practice onstage, and some don't take their seats until a minute or two before the performance begins. But at concert time, everyone is in place and ready to start.
Q: Who are these musicians and where do they come from?
A: All our musicians are professionals who are engaged on a contract basis to play in Symphonia performances. They play in other orchestras as well (Richmond Symphony, Virginia Symphony, etc.), and you may recognize, from the Symphonia’s concerts, individual musicians or small ensembles accompanying area musical performing groups, such as the Williamsburg Choral Guild. They are very talented, and we are fortunate to have their services and loyalty.
Nearby Restaurants
Williamsburg offers a wealth of options for pre-concert dining as well as post-concert festivities, many within walking distance of The Kimball Theatre:
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