What's it like going to a classical music concert ?

[FrauleinEngelhart]

I'm considering going to one, probably alone as DP isn't that enthusiastic (although regularly listens to Classic FM !). Is there any kind of etiquette I should know about ?
Are you expected to stare soulfully into the middle distance and hand in your mobile phone at the entrance ? Do people actually go on their own and would I look out of place ?

Loads of people will go on their own. I'm not saying this in a mean way but you are really overthinking this. Its just like going to see any concert. Go on your own, with 10 people, watch the show and enjoy. There are no expectations.

Turn off your phone and for the love of God no crunchy sweets or wrappers. In fact, no food of any kind. Don't talk. Don't hum. Don't sing. Please.

<voice of bitter, expensive experience>

You would not be out of place at all on your own op, I love seeing classical music performed live apart from when it's spoiled by werthers-sucking deaf idiots who singalong and ignorantly discuss the merits of each player/instrument/section/piece all the way through

You definitely wouldn't look out of place on your own. I've been to a couple of organ recitals and a concert at the Bridgewater in Manchester and lots of people were on their own.
My only tip would be to wait to clap and wait to cough. There is usually a big clap and everyone clears their throat in between pieces which is a little bit odd to me.

Etiquette: save your clapping until the end of the whole piece and don't clap in between movements etc.

Sit quietly like any other performance but it's not really a place for snacks.

And a tip: order your interval drink at the beginning of the evening then you don't have to queue.

If you leave to go to the loo midway they don't let you back in.

That's all I can think of.

I'd absolutely go alone but it's nicer with a friend. Where are you thinking of going?

@Wrongsideofpennines I go to the Bridgewater Hall 😀

I close my eyes and go on a journey. Nobody else cares, and it’s lovely ☺️.

Lots of people go on their own. No need to look deep in thought but don't clap along - this happened at one concert I went to, I was appalled!

I agree though that you could be overthinking it. It's a gathering like any other. Turn up, enjoy it, look forward to the next one 🙂

Absolutely no problem going on your own, and they only ask that your mobile is switched off.

Sometimes you'll be so caught up in the music you'll forget where you are, sometimes you might not appreciate a particular bit and find yourself looking round the hall. as long as you don't stand up and start dancing in the aisles (or acting like it's a karaoke) you'll be fine.

The days of needing a long frock and pearls are also long gone. My usual choice is the 'jeans and a nice top' combo. Except once I'd done a very early shift and fell asleep in the afternoon, only waking up in time to leave the house and get into my seat by the skin of my teeth. So I was wearing a sweatshirt, less than posh jeans and trainers. And that was to the opera. I did get some sideways looks from some of the older women but who cares?

Loads of people go on their own. Turn your phone off or at least to silent. Clap when most others clap. Have an amazing time. Live music is brilliant.

I go on my own quite regularly although I've sometimes taken DC too (DH is usually working).

No rules other than make sure your phone is on silent of course, and enjoy yourself.

I wouldn't recommend attempting to loudly hum along or wave your arms like the conductor though.

Wear something nice but comfortable, you'll be sitting for a bit so comfort is key, but you don't have to get madly dressed up or anything. I often just wear what I'd wear for a casual night out (jeans or trousers and a nice top sort of style).

I'd really love to be able to go more but small child and a husband who works evenings means I've not been since the start of covid.

You wouldn’t be out of place going alone to a classical concert! If you’re nervous of going to a larger venue, why not start with smaller local ones ? Try looking at local theatre venues, including local choirs and orchestral groups. There’s usually lots on this time of year in town and village halls, churches, cathedrals.

Oh just enjoy. It’s one of my favourite things to do.

just the clapping really. Follow the crowd

@Wrongsideofpennines the halle is so expensive as well. I've heard you can get cheap on the day tickets but I've never tried it.

The other good one is the rncm end of term concert. Good performance for a good price and the students were so talented.

I highly recommend going to the snowman with your dc if they are still young.

Don't clap between movements.

Don't clap between movements.

Don't clap between movements.

In fact, look at when others clap and copy them.

Other than that- enjoy! I did a classical music degree and really hate classical music

No need to look deep in thought but don't clap along - this happened at one concert I went to, I was appalled!

I remember it happening at a concert and the pianist solved it with some emergency rubato.

My first ever classical concert was at the Bridgewater Hall. It was a 60th birthday present from my DS. The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra with Shekhu Kennar Mason playing Elgar's Cello Concerto. Magical.

The good friend that's the organist often accompanies for the students at the RNCM so I'll have to see if she can recommend some things for me.

I went to one on my own recently. There were lots of people there by themselves. I really enjoyed it and felt very 'grown up' .

If you are female, figure out where the loos are. Aisle seats are recommended. Leg it at 1/2 time.

Pop your phone on silent and enjoy.

I wear jeans, shirt and jumper as a rule.

I love classical music and go to a lot of concerts by myself (the OH and some friends will occasionally join me, but I like some quite out-there avant garde stuff and I'm on my own there).

Please don't eat, particularly if you don't know the programme well - chances are you'll be in the middle of a handful of something in your mouth, just as the orchestra descends into a really quiet passage.

As for dressing, I tend to go 'smart casual': somewhere above nipping out to Sainsbury's but considerably below cocktail party attire. Smart jeans / jumper / boots are perfectly acceptable.

But yes, it is a weirdly solo hobby for many and literally nobody will turn a hair.

Thanks everyone. Probably go to the Bridgewater. Lots of good advice .

None of the above rules apply if you go to one of the 'Classical Spectaculars' at the Royal Albert Hall 😉

Loads of great things on at Manchester Cathedral too. Have already booked for their Messiah at Christmas 🤩

The only one I have ever been to had many people there on their own. I only looked a bit out of place for being in jeans and trainers, even in Berlin, but did not care.

My mum was a bit upset as it was a concert conducted by Simon Rattle and understandably would have liked to be there.