All you need to know for your first Orchestra visit.
First Timer's - General Questions
What should I expect from an orchestra concert?
Let go of any preconceptions you may have about classical music or the concert experience. This is an opportunity to open your mind and to allow yourself to be taken on a journey by the conductor and musicians through the music. Expect to enjoy yourself.
Do I need to know anything about classical music to enjoy the concert?
No, don't worry if you do not have a classical music background, the music will speak for itself. However if you would like to know more, each piece is described in the program notes of concert programs which are given out for free prior to the concert and are on the website in the week leading up to the concert.
Many frequent concertgoers find they enjoy the music if they have heard it before the concert - if this appeals, WASO's playlists provide a great way to learn more about the music and are found on our website, otherwise just come along and enjoy with an open mind.
What is the average duration of a WASO concert?
The average WASO concert lasts a maximum duration of two hours, with a 25 minute interval, with the exception of the Matinee Symphonies and children's concerts that run for 1 hour with no interval. The length of each piece being played can be found in the concert program.
What if I'm late?
Late comers will not be admitted into the hall until a suitable break in the music. Make sure you arrive at least 15 minutes before the concert is due to start.
Is there disabled access?
Yes, there is disabled access and special allocated seating in the auditorium. Wheelchair bookings must be made through the WASO Ticketing Office. Upon arrival please see staff for assistance.
What should I wear to a WASO concert?
WASO concerts have no dress code, wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. Most patrons will wear slightly dressy clothes or business attire, but you will also see patrons in jeans, skirts, t-shirts or dresses.
Formal attire is not required, however if you feel like dressing up and making a night of it, you should. It all adds to the experience.
When should I applaud?
Musicians love applause. As a guide, audience members normally applaud:
When the Conductor walks onto the stage.
After the completion of each piece and at the end of the performance.
What about other noises? Coughing, mobile phones, pagers?
Pagers, mobile phones and alarm watches must be switched to silent during a performance. Concerts are recorded for airing on ABC radio and these noise disturbances are picked up.
While coughing is an unavoidable problem, there are ways to minimise the disturbance of the musicians, conductor and your fellow audience members. If you are in the middle of the concert and start to cough, try to muffle or bury the cough in a handkerchief or in a louder section of the music. If you need to cough many times there is nothing wrong with excusing yourself from the hall for the rest of the movement.
Please note that incorrectly adjusted hearing aids may disturb other patrons.
Can I take pictures?
Photography, sound and video recordings are permitted prior to the start of the performance.
About the Orchestra
What is a Symphony Orchestra?
A Symphony Orchestra is a collection of musicians who play instruments in four groups:
Strings - violins, violas, cellos and double basses, harp
Woodwinds - flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons
Brass - trumpets, horns, trombones, tubas
Percussion/Timpani - including the drums, bells, xylophone, tambourine
Why do the musicians wear formal black clothes?
This is a tradition that started centuries ago. The musicians dress in this 'uniform' so that they do not distract the audience from the music. Soloists are the exception - they often dress differently because the focus of the audience is on them.