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Frequently Asked Questions
What is classical music? The term "classical music" can be used in two ways. When it's capitalized, it's usually referring to a historical period (c. 1730-1820), the time of Mozart and Haydn. The other meaning of "classical music" is much broader, covering the entire canon of Western art music, from Gregorian chant to Philip Glass and beyond. It encompasses a vast range of styles, forms and techniques, but in one respect, classical music differs from other types by its use of music notation, which is used by composers to indicate the pitch, speed, meter, rhythms and overall execution of the music. From the simplest song to massive compositions of mind-bending complexity, classical music often attempts to affect the mind, body and spirit in profound ways; the greatest examples succeed in doing just that. (Courtesy LA Phil) A symphony orchestra is a large ensemble of musicians who variously play strings (violins, violas, cellos, basses), woodwinds (clarinets, oboes, flutes, bassoons), brass (trumpets, French horns, trombones and tubas) or percussion (drums, timpani, bells, etc.). Because of its size (100 or more musicians), an orchestra requires a conductor to keep the players together and present a unified interpretation. Compositions for the orchestra include such works as symphonies and concertos (for soloist and orchestra). Classical music is also written for, and performed by, smaller groups of instruments ("chamber music") or even by just one or two musicians ("solo recital").
Customs & Courtesy The tired stereotype that you must dress formally (tuxedos, evening gowns, etc.) for a classical concert lives on, but only in cartoons and old movies. Never let your wardrobe keep you from a concert! Your experience of the music is what's important, so wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. As you'll see, a lot of concertgoers wear business attire or casual business attire. We do ask that you refrain from using strong scents, as they may be distracting to other patrons and the performers. Are There any Customs That I Need to Know? Although no special knowledge or experience is needed to enjoy an orchestral concert, certain practices have become customary: 0. After the orchestra is seated, the first person to come on stage is the concertmaster (the lead first violinist), who is greeted with applause and who then initiates the tuning process. Next comes the conductor (with or without soloist), who is again greeted with applause. Once the conductor has bowed and turned towards the orchestra, everyone becomes quiet so the music can begin. 0. Silence is the canvas on which music is experienced, so for maximum concentration and enjoyment, the audience should be as quiet as possible. In the sensitive acoustics of concert hall, even the slightest noise can be a significant distraction. What would normally go unheard in daily life (whispering, humming, tapping, turning pages, etc.) is noticed by everyone around you. Of course, mobile phones and all other electronic devices must be silenced before the performance begins. 0. When should I applaud? This has been the subject of much debate. The tradition for the last hundred years or so has been to clap only at the very end of a piece, no matter how many individual movements there are. (In a recital, the custom is to applaud after a group of pieces, as indicated in the program.) The purpose of waiting is to maintain an unbroken atmosphere so that the piece retains its unity and that any spell the music has cast remains unbroken. But in earlier times, it was not unusual for the audience to respond with spontaneous applause, sometimes even insisting that a movement be repeated before a piece could continue. Today, as more music lovers attend classical programs for the first time, enthusiastic applause does occasionally break out between movements. If you are worried about when to applaud, the safest course is to wait until the conductor has turned around to face the audience and everyone is clapping. It's a good idea to arrive at least 30 minutes before your concert time (double that, if it's your first visit). Then you'll have plenty of time to park, peruse the program and prepare yourself for the experience. Late Seating: In consideration of our artists and patrons, late seating will take place during the first appropriate pause in the program at the discretion of management. Certain programs are performed without intermission; in those cases, late seating may not be available at all. May I Take Photos or Record the Music? The use of any recording devices, including cameras, is not permitted.
Planning Your Visit You have several options: In person at the Box Offices (Tuesday-Sunday) Over the phone 323.663.3601 Over the internet via http://glendalephilharmonic.com/tickets.html
Group Sales For groups of ten or more, please contact Group Sales at 323.445.6558 . What if I'm Unable to Attend My Performance? All single ticket sales are final, but you may help us allow others to experience music by donating your tickets for re-sale; you will receive a donation receipt for tax purposes. You may donate your tickets in one of three ways: In person - bring your tickets to our Office prior to the concert By mail - send your original tickets, along with your name, address, and telephone number, to: Glendale Philharmonic, PO BOX 39554, Los Angeles, CA 90039 Your tickets must be received prior to the concert. Please note: the Box Offices do not process donations of any kind. For more info please call 323.663.3601
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