First-Timer's Guide

How long does a concert last?
Most performances are two hours including a twenty-minute intermission. Adventures in Music for Families and Young People's Concerts are one hour without intermission.

What should I wear?
Wear what is comfortable for you. Business casual, evening wear and everything in between is appropriate.

When should I arrive?
We recommend arriving at least twenty to thirty minutes prior to the concert to give yourself time to park, walk to the hall, pick up tickets (if necessary), find your seat and relax.

What if I arrive late?
If the concert has already started, you may be asked to wait in the lobby until an appropriate break in the music. If you have pre-purchased tickets, they will be held at the Box Office for you until closing (immediately after intermission).

What should I listen for?
Experiencing music is different for everybody. If you are new to the Minnesota Orchestra, we recommend you attend our pre- and post-concert Music Up Close programs. You’ll have the opportunity to meet a musician or conductor and learn more about the program. Seating is available anywhere on the main floor and your concert ticket is required for entry.

There are many ways to learn about the music being played. Click here to learn more.

If you can’t make it to a "Music Up Close" program, here are a few things to listen for:

• Listen for various sections or instruments of the orchestra—strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion.
• Are there changes in tempos—fast and slow?
• Listen for changes in volume—loud and soft.
• Focus on the melodies—Are they jagged or lyrical or angry or excited? How many different lines can you hear going on at one time in the music?
• Feel the rhythms—Is the rhythm repeated or constantly changing? Do you feel like you want to tap your toes or sway gently?
• Notice your emotions—How does the music make you feel? If you close your eyes, can you see colors or pictures? Even if you don’t “like” the music you hear, it’s going to make you feel something.
• You’ll get the hang of it quickly. Let the music be your guide!

Will I recognize any of the music?
Chances are you’ll recognize more than you think. Many of today’s pop songs, cartoons, commercials, TV shows and movies use music taken from classical themes. For more details on a specific piece, look under individual concert listings for program notes. Click here to access our calendar.

When do I clap?
Applause is meant as both a greeting and to show appreciation for the performance. It is customary to applaud when our concertmaster enters the stage at the start of each half of the concert, as well as when the conductor and soloist arrive. Another general rule of thumb is to applaud when the entire piece is complete, not in between the individual sections. Take a look at the program book to count the number of movements in each work. When in doubt, wait for the rest of the audience to clap.

What if I have to cough?
Please remember that even the softest cough can be heard throughout our hall. If you feel a cold coming on, please bring lozenges with you or ask for complimentary cough drops at the Head Usher Stand in the main floor lobby. Re-sealable containers, such as water bottles, are allowed in the hall. If you need to cough during the performance, try to wait until the end of a movement or until a louder section of music. There is nothing wrong with getting up and excusing yourself for the rest of the movement. All music being performed can be heard in the lobby so you can still enjoy the concert until you feel able to return to your seat.

What if my babysitter needs to contact me?
If you are expecting an urgent call or want to leave a contact number for a babysitter, have them call the Stage Door at 612.371.5626. When you arrive at the hall, leave your seat location with the head usher (located next to the Box Office) so you can be found quickly if an emergency arises. Please turn off cell phones and pagers before entering the concert hall. Noises such as a phone ringing or pager beeping are very distracting to the conductor, performers and other audience members. Feel free to set your device on vibrate so that if you are expecting an important call, you can quietly leave the hall and take care of the issue.