Concert Etiquette

If possible, arrive at the concert hall at least fifteen minutes before the performance, so that you can relax and read the program notes. Although you may refer briefly to the program while the performance is in progress, reading it steadily will distract you from the music and is considered poor manners. Bear in mind, too, that at many concerts, latecomers are not allowed to take their seats until some logical break in the music occurs.

During the performance, the audience is expected to remain silent; absolute silence helps the performers to concentrate and enhances the emotional intensity of the experience. Performers can be distracted by talking, coughing, humming, or incidental noises   which will also distract and annoy other audience members. Be respectful of those performing by turning off all cell phones, beepers, and watches with alarms.

At a concert or recital, audiences express their enthusiasm by applauding at the end of a work; if a work has more than one movement, audiences do not customarily applaud between movements. At an opera, however, audiences often applaud at the end of arias, duets, and ensembles. At jazz concerts it is quite appropriate to applaud following an improvised solo.

Taking photographs and using recording equipment are not permitted unless you have prior approval from the director or performer.