what should i wear to a symphony concert?
It's generally a good idea to wear
something--too much nudity in the audience distracts attention from
the orchestra, and musicians' egos are easily bruised. Beyond that,
just relax and remember the dress code of the third millennium:
"If you bought a ticket, you're appropriately dressed." (Shoes and
shirts are required.)
when should i clap?
When you like what you heard--otherwise the traditional response
is to boo. For the most part, musicians are like everyone
else, and they enjoy signs of appreciation more than they
let on. If you love the first movement of the concerto so
much you can't refrain from applauding, then do so vigorously
and enjoy the added pleasure of clapping even louder when
another audience member scowls at you. On the other hand,
don't feel that you must applaud between movements of a long
work like a symphony or concerto. Silence can be powerful--and
the silence between movements may be the most eloquent moment
in the program.
is it okay to bring the kids?
Of course, music is one of the few forms of adult
entertainment
appropriate for children. Here the rule is if you enjoy it,
they probably will too. If you're there because the boss gave
you his tickets, and you knew the boss might quiz you the
next day--leave the kids home. Please, no babes in arms. If
you'd like to introduce your kids to classical music, www.playmusic.org will give you
an interesting overview.
will i be bored?
Maybe. I don't know any musician who has never been bored,
or confused, at a concert. Unlike most forms of entertainment,
orchestral music is designed to be heard many times, with
your enjoyment increasing as you come to know the music better.
Pre-concert lectures address the problem of boredom using
the vaccination principle--a little self-inflicted tedium before
the concert inoculates the listener against greater tedium
later on. [Dr. Boerckel will present pre-concert talks before every concert. The talks are held 7:00 pm in the Community Arts Center's Capitol Lounge. All ticket holders for each concert
are invited to attend.]
will i hear quality music?
The answer is easy. "Classical" music is not a style; it is
a treasure trove of the greatest music written over the last
thousand years. We've forgotten the bad stuff; what remains
is the "best of the best."
is the wso a real orchestra?
WSO is an excellent regional orchestra featuring professional
musicians as well as business people, physicians, teachers
and students. They've all been trained by demanding teachers
at schools (including the Juilliard and Eastman Schools of
Music) and they practice more than the average adolescent
watches TV. Our musicians have performed under the baton of
some of the finest conductors including Leonard Slatkin, Aaron
Copland and Mstislav Rostropovich. Some have performed in
the finest orchestras in the world including the Rochester
and Northeastern PA Philharmonics, Mantovani and Glenn Miller
Orchestras. Some have performed with the Empire Brass Quintet
and Buddy Rich Big Band, and at venues such as the Montreux,
North Sea Jazz and Brevard Music Festivals.
why should i attend?
It's here, it's "live," and WSO will pleasantly surprise you!
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