Concert Etiquette

For those who are new to the concert hall, here are some insider tips to help you feel more at home at a concert:

It is customary to hold your applause until the very end of the piece.

Not sure when the end of the piece is? Your best bet is to watch the conductor. They will let you know when the piece is over, so wait until they put their arms down and turn to face the audience. If their hands remain in front of them, they are waiting for the orchestra to be ready to continue the piece. If you’re still in doubt, you can always wait until the crowd begins to applaud.

Eating, talking, and other careless noises are distracting to the musicians and to the audience.

Major concert halls are designed to have wonderful acoustics—it’s why it feels like the music is all around you. But, concert hall acoustics can’t discriminate between orchestral sounds and the sound of a candy wrapper or dropped program. A good tip is to unwrap any cough drops, turn off your phone, and put your purse and coat under your chair before the concert starts.

Please turn your phone on silent mode before the concert starts.

Arts organizations love engaging with audience members on social media! Just remember to not disturb your seat neighbors during the concert. Phone screens give off more light than you’d think in a darkened hall!

If you need to leave the concert hall, please wait until the end of a piece.

Enjoy the music!

Stage for Auckland Symphony Orchestra