How to behave at the Philharmonic? 10 simple rules for dummies

For educated people and regulars at concerts of the capital’s philharmonic society, theaters, etc. this article will seem stupid, because everyone should know these simple rules, but alas… Life shows: not everyone knows how to behave in a philharmonic society.

Recently, in provincial cities, going to a concert at the Philharmonic is perceived as a fun, entertaining event, akin to going to the cinema. Hence the attitude towards a concert or performance as a show. But it should be somewhat different.

So, here are these simple rules of behavior at a philharmonic evening:

1. Come to the Philharmonic 15-20 minutes before the concert starts. What do you need to do during this time? Put your outerwear and bags in the cloakroom, visit the toilet or smoking room if necessary, and be sure to read it. What is a program? This is the content of the concert or performance – all the information about the concert is usually printed there: a list of works performed, information about the authors and performers, historical information, duration of the evening, a summary of the ballet or opera, etc.
2. Turn off your mobile phone during the concert (performance). And if you left it on silent mode, then do not answer an incoming call while music is playing, in extreme cases, write an SMS, and in general, do not be distracted.
3. When walking down the row to your seat, go facing the person who is already sitting. Believe me, it’s very unpleasant to contemplate someone’s butt a few centimeters away from you. If you are sitting and someone is trying to walk past you, get up from your seat and cover the seat of your chair. Make sure that a person passing by does not have to squeeze through your lap.
4. If you are late and the concert has begun, then do not rush into the hall, stand at the door and wait until the first number ends. You will know this by the flurry of applause that sounds. If the first piece in the program is long, still take the risk of crossing the threshold of the hall (it’s not in vain that you paid money for the ticket), but don’t look for your row – sit in the first place you come across (then you’ll change seats).
5. Between parts of a work being performed (sonata, symphony, suite), since the performance of the work has not yet been completed. There are usually only a few people clapping in such a situation, and by their behavior they pass themselves off as an eccentric, and they are also sincerely surprised why no one in the hall supported their applause. Didn’t you know before that there is no clapping between parts? Now you know!
6. If you or your child suddenly want to leave in the middle of the concert, wait for a pause in the numbers and quickly but quietly leave before the music starts. Remember that by walking around the hall during a musical number, you are thereby insulting the musicians, showing them your disrespect!
7. If you want to give flowers to a soloist or conductor, prepare in advance. As soon as the last note fades away and the audience is about to applaud, run to the stage and hand over the bouquet! Running onto the stage and catching up with a departed musician is bad form.
8. You can’t eat or drink during a concert or performance, you’re not in a movie theater! Respect the musicians and actors who work for you, they are people too, and may also want a snack – do not tease them. And it’s not even about others, it’s about you, dear ones. You can’t understand classical music while chewing chips. The music played in the Philharmonic must not only be formally listened to, but also heard, and this is the work of the brain, not the ears, and there is simply no time to be distracted by food.
9. Curious children! If you are brought to a performance at the theater, do not throw pieces of paper, chestnuts and stones into the orchestra pit! There are people with musical instruments sitting in the pit, and your pranks can injure both the person and the expensive instrument! Adults! Keep an eye on the kids!
10. And one last thing… You can’t get bored at philharmonic concerts, even if you think you’ll never be able to cope with classical music. The point is that if necessary. How? Find out the program in advance and get acquainted with the music that will be performed that evening, also in advance. You can read something about this music (this will make it very easy for you to understand), you can read about composers, preferably listen to the same works. This preparation will greatly improve your impressions of the concert, and classical music will stop you from falling asleep.

Follow these simple rules, be polite and well-mannered! May the evening give you good music. And from good music, you have no choice but to behave joyfully and enthusiastically in the Philharmonic. Enjoy your musical moments!