Attending a concert of classical music is a special experience, in which the audience shares in a state of grace. Our receptiveness to beauty is enhanced by the respect we show the musicians and other members of the audience. Any noise or movement from the auditorium can distract other members of the audience and affect the musicians’ concentration. When in doubt, place politeness foremost. The musicians can sense the audience’s involvement, and it inspires them to give their very best.
This is why we ask that throughout the concert you set your telephones to Aeroplane or Silent mode, that you remain silent, and observe the common etiquette of “emotion without motion.”
Likewise, it is a sign of appreciation and respect to applaud the soloist, the conductor, and the orchestra when they make their entrance onto the stage and at the end of each separate work in the programme, but it is not recommended that you applaud between the movements of an individual work. The conductor will let you know when a work has finished, so please wait until he lowers his arms and turns to face the audience. If the conductor’s arms have remained raised in front of him, it means he is waiting for the orchestra to be ready to continue with the next part of the work.
