Experience

Directions & Parking

Click here for directions and parking information for all of our venues.

Spotlight Series

Parking is FREE at all Spotlight Series venues.

How do I know where I am sitting?

Seats sold through Mainly Mozart will be best available assigned by the Box Office at the time of purchase.

When Do I Clap?

For Our Younger Audience

No one wants to clap in the "wrong" place at a classical music concert. So, when should you clap? The answer is simpler than you might think. Before the concert begins, carefully read the program so you know what will be played and how many movements (sections) each piece has. Usually, each movement is indicated by tempo markings written in Italian – for example, Adagio, Allegro, Vivace, etc. That way you will have an idea about what to listen for so you know when the end of each piece occurs – which is one time when you should clap. Another time is…

At the beginning of the concert, the concertmaster (1st violinist) comes on stage. As a welcome, and to show appreciation for the musicians who are already on stage, the audience claps. Then the orchestra tunes-up. When the tuning is finished, the conductor and a soloist, if there is one, come on stage. Again the audience claps its welcome and appreciation. With his baton, the conductor signals to the orchestra the concert is about to start. And the music begins.

Many pieces have several movements which, when they end, can sound like the entire piece has ended. So, if you lose track of where the piece is, watch the conductor. Usually, between movements, he keeps his hands raised while the orchestra prepares for the next movement. BUT, if in doubt, do what the rest of the audience does! By the way, some pieces end loudly, others very quietly – in this case, the conductor will lower his hands slowly.

When a piece does end, and you liked what you heard, clap, clap, clap. Then get ready to enjoy the next piece. And when the concert ends, and if you really liked it, clap your heart out!