CONCERT CONVERSATIONS WITH CHRISTOPHER CONFESSORE
Christopher Confessore talks with students
Plan to arrive early because you're invited to attend "Concert Conversations with Christopher Confessore." At approximately 7:15 p.m., prior to each classical performance, Maestro Confessore will provide an informal, ten to fifteen minute talk about the evening's program. Main floor seating is open to anyone during the pre-concert chat.
WHAT TO WEAR
There is no official attire and formal dress isn't necessary. But, most symphony listeners do dress up; with men in suits, coats and ties and women in dresses or suits. T-shirts and shorts would not fit the occasion. If you wear jeans to a concert, you would not be asked to leave, but you may feel underdressed.
ARRIVE EARLY
By arriving early you can avoid the parking lot rush. Also, early arrival could provide some more education before the concert begins. Many orchestras have a pre-concert lecture about the pieces and the artists being performed that evening. Before each classical performance the BSO offers "Concert Conversations with Christopher Confessore." These lectures allow the audience additional information not found in the program notes and many conductors accept questions from the audience relating to the evening's music. Pre-concert is also the time used to read the program notes and prepare for your musical experience.
CHECK OUT THE STAGE
Most orchestra stages are set in a fan-shaped arrangement, strings in successive rows - first and second violins to the left, followed by violas, cellos and double basses, usually to the right. The strings are always upfront, backed deeper in the orchestra by woodwinds (flutes, clarinets, oboes, English horn, bassoons and contra-bassoon) and brasses (French horns, trumpets, trombones and tuba), with the various percussion (timpani, side drum, bass drum, cymbals, etc.) toward the rear.
TUNING UP
Once the orchestra is seated, the last player to walk onto the stage is the first violinist, or "concertmaster", who bows to applause, then asks the principal oboist to sound an "A", to which the orchestra tunes. After the orchestra has tuned, the conductor will proceed onstage. Remember, once the concert begins, the audience should remain as quiet as possible. Rustling of gourmet nut wrappers or whispers to your neighbor can be distracting to the rest of the audience and the musicians.
ENCORE, ENCORE - when to applaud
For new symphony listeners one of the biggest worries is when to applaud. Before the concert begins, refer to your program. If a concerto or symphony has more than three or four movements (Allegro, Andante, Adagio, Vivace), don't applaud after each movement; wait until the entire concerto or symphony is over. If in doubt wait - watch the conductor. He or she will lower their hands when the piece is complete. If you were thrilled with the performance and the conductor has turned to acknowledge the applause, at this time you may cheer or yell "Encore, Encore"!
LATE SEATING
It is the King Center policy to begin performances at the advertised time. Patrons arriving late will be seated when it is least disruptive to the performers and the audience. Late arrivals can watch the performance on closed circuit television sets in the lobby and halls while waiting to be seated.
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