FAQ
The following suggestions are designed to help you become better acquainted with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and feel more comfortable attending a concert.
Feel free to ask any Philharmonic staff member for assistance at concerts, or see staff representatives at the Patron Services table located in the venue lobby for more information.
Each Prelude program book includes notes about concert works, composers, and guest artists. Concert Prelude program books are free to all ticket holders and available from the ushers. Other resources are easily accessible online. Contact the Community Engagement Department at 260.481.0760 for information about Musically Speaking pre-concert presentation/concert previews.
Intermission times vary, but typically last anywhere from 15-20 minutes.
Prior to performances, the musicians enter the stage, take their seats and begin warming up on their instruments. You will hear many different sounds being played at the same time.
- If you have a cough or cold, make sure to take unwrapped cough drops with you. The Philharmonic supplies them in the lobby.
- Hearing aids should be adjusted so as not to create a "whistle" that is disturbing to the other audience members and musicians.
- Wearing excessive amounts of perfume can affect other audience members and musicians, some who are allergic to scents.
- Please consider those around you and wait until a selection is finished when the audience is applauding before exiting your seat.
- Please refrain from taking pictures during a performance. The click of the camera and flash is distracting to the musicians, conductor, and other patrons.
- Electronic recording devices are strictly prohibited. No video cameras, tape recorders, or other video/audio recording devices are allowed.
Conversations during performances in concert halls with excellent acoustics can create distractions for other audience members. Please be courteous and refrain from talking until the intermission or after the concert.
Please turn off all cell phones, watch alarms, and other electronic devices prior to performances, as they’ll disrupt the concentration of musicians and other patrons.
Plan to arrive in plenty of time to park, visit the concessions, find your seat, and read about the concert in the program book. Fifteen minutes is recommended.
At the beginning of the concert, the concertmaster will come onstage. The audience applauds as a welcome, and as a sign of appreciation for all the musicians. After the orchestra tunes, the conductor and possibly a soloist will come onstage. Everyone applauds to welcome them, too. In most classical concerts, the audience applauds at the conclusion of each piece, which may include several movements. In general, the work is over when the conductor lowers the baton and turns toward the audience.
Those who don’t often attend classical music concerts are sometimes concerned about what to wear. Don’t worry, because there is no set dress for concerts. You can wear business attire if you wish, or opt for something more casual. Wear what makes you feel comfortable. But, come prepared with a jacket or sweater, just in case it is cool in the performance space.
Good concert etiquette is considered appropriate and polite behavior while enjoying a live musical performance. It shows respect for the conductor, performers, other audience members, and the music that is being performed. Be comfortable, be courteous of those around you, and have a good time.
Listening to a concert is an extremely communal experience. People coming together to enjoy great music in an elegant atmosphere is what makes the Fort Wayne Philharmonic experience so special. Live music—there is nothing like it.