Concert Etiquette

The cardinal principle is to allow others to listen to the music undisturbed:

• • avoid conversation
  • suppress coughs and sneezes until a loud passage arrives, and muffle these with a handkerchief (have one handy)
  • electronic devices are on 'silent' or turned off.  Ensure sound and vibration are off please.
  • sit still: no noisy page turning of the programme, rustling of lolly wrappers, searching handbags for tissues etc.
  • do not leave your seat while music is playing unless there is an emergency

Applause between the movements of a symphony or suite is regarded as a distraction from the momentum and unity of a work. It is usually considered something of a faux pas, though a minor and well-meaning one.  Sometimes it is the purpose of the conductor to maintain a fairly long silence after the last notes of a piece; this is an especially likely choice for pieces with quiet endings.

The audience can be signalled not to applaud immediately through the device of the conductor keeping his/her hands lifted (as if still leading the orchestra), then lowering them when the intended silence is over. Thus in a way the conductor is "conducting the audience" as part of a performance ritual. Such efforts are usually heeded, at least by experienced audiences.

• NO PHONE CALLS in or out while you are in the concert hall
• NO VIBRATION, notifications etc - ensure your phone is on Silent
• NO RECORDING OR PHOTOS when music is being played, or about to be played
• Screen light will disturb your fellow audience members - don't play games/browse/check emails etc. if you're bored!
• You are welcome to take video/photos during applause - NOT when music is playing or about to be played.

Think ‘smart casual’ for most concerts. Hats are removed as they block others' view of the stage. Dress up if it’s advertised as a formal occasion.

Good etiquette requires staying in the concert hall for the duration of the performance (although slipping away at the interval is absolutely fine).  Only in an emergency should you leave while music is being played, as doing so WILL disturb others in the audience and the musicians.

If you think there is ANY chance you might need to leave while music is playing, it is considerate to choose seats at the end of a row and near an exit, to minimise such disturbance.