Thinking about attending your very first classical music concert? You’re in for something special. Whether you’re heading to one of our International Concert Series events or just curious about orchestral music, we’re here to make sure your first visit is enjoyable, relaxed and stress-free.
If the world of classical music feels a little mysterious – full of unfamiliar names, traditions and etiquette – don’t worry. We’ll walk you through what to expect and answer some common questions along the way.
What is an Orchestra?
An orchestra is a group of musicians performing together on a wide range of instruments. Depending on the piece, there might be 20 players or more than 100 on stage, all led by a conductor. Their job is to guide the tempo, shape the sound, and bring the music to life.
Orchestras perform music from across the centuries – from composers like Mozart and Beethoven to film scores and brand-new works by composers like Philip Glass and Julia Wolfe. You’ve probably heard orchestral music in places you didn’t even realise, like TV, cinema, or even video games. For example, Carl Orff’s dramatic O Fortuna was a regular fixture on The X Factor, Grieg’s In The Hall of the Mountain King adds thrill at Alton Towers, Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra is famous from 2001: A Space Odyssey, and a section of Dvořák’s From the New World featured memorably in the 1973 Hovis advert.
What Instruments Will I Hear?
Orchestras are usually made up of four main instrument families:
- Strings – violins, violas, cellos and double basses, played with a bow. You may even see harps, guitars or lutes!
- Woodwinds – flutes, oboes, clarinets and bassoons, each played by blowing air and with its own unique tone.
- Brass – trumpets, trombones, French horns and tubas, known for their power and drama.
- Percussion – anything you strike, shake or scrape: timpani, cymbals, drums, and more.
Some pieces also include instruments like saxophones, keyboards or electronic effects, so no two concerts are ever quite the same. You might also see our grand piano on stage – it’s often used in concertos or solo performances. Some concerts also feature our spectacular pipe organ, which adds rich, thunderous depth to the sound.
The Organ – and its Remote Console
At The Bridgewater Hall, you might notice the impressive pipe organ built into the rear wall of the auditorium – one of the largest in the UK. When a concert features the organ, the musician will sometimes perform seated at the instrument itself, high up behind the stage.
But in some concerts, you’ll spot the organist playing from a remote console placed on the main stage instead. This special console is fully connected to the organ, allowing the performer to control every pipe and register, while facing the conductor and staying close to the orchestra and audience. It’s a great way to experience the organ up close and see the musician’s technique in action.
If you’re curious, you can see this remote console in action around 9:11 in this behind-the-scenes video
What Music Might I Hear?
Every concert offers something different, but here are a few of the types of music you might encounter:
- Symphony – A large-scale piece usually made up of three or four movements (sections), usually written for a larger orchestra
- Concerto – A piece featuring a soloist, such as a pianist or violinist, performing with the orchestra
- Overture – Originally written to open an opera, now often performed on their own as dramatic concert openers
- Suite – A collection of shorter pieces or movements, often drawn from a larger work like a ballet or opera, grouped together to be performed as one.
Some concerts may also include jazz-inspired works, folk tunes, or world premieres of brand-new music – so there’s always something to discover.
Who’s Who on Stage?
Understanding the key figures on stage can help you follow what’s happening during the concert:
- The Conductor stands on a podium and leads the orchestra using hand gestures or a baton. They guide the tempo, phrasing, and overall feel of the performance.
- The Leader (or Concertmaster) is the principal first violinist, seated closest to the conductor. They help lead the string section and sometimes play solos.
- Section Principals lead their instrument group and may also take on solos.
- The Principal Oboist plays a tuning note – A – at the start of the concert, a standard orchestral tradition to help everyone get in tune before the music begins. The oboe’s sound is easily heard by the musicians, and its pitch is relatively stable, making it a reliable reference point for tuning. Additionally, the oboe has been a consistent part of orchestral music for a long time, solidifying its place as the tuning instrument.
Concert Etiquette - and Your FAQs Answered
Is there a dress code?
Not at all – wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. Whether you’re coming straight from work, meeting friends beforehand, or making a special night of it, there’s no need to dress up unless you want to. Most of our audience members wear smart casual clothes, but you’ll see everything from jeans to dresses and jackets, and everyone is welcome.
What time should I arrive?
The auditorium doors usually open 30 minutes before the concert, so we recommend arriving around 45 minutes before the concert begins. This gives you plenty of time to find your seat, use the facilities, grab a drink, and get settled.
Will latecomers be admitted?
It depends on the performance. If you arrive after the concert has started, you may need to wait until a suitable pause in the music before being shown to your seat – to avoid disturbing the musicians and other guests. The stewards staffing the auditorium doors can help you with this.
What if I need to leave during the concert?
If you need to step out, that’s absolutely fine – but we do ask that you wait for a suitable break in the music, if possible. Our stewards will help you re-enter at the right moment.
Will someone introduce the music?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Some conductors or soloists speak from the stage, but not always. Most concerts have a programme to purchase, giving you background on the music and composers, or, if you’re curious, you can look up the composers in advance, or even listen to some of the pieces beforehand.
Do I need to know anything about the music beforehand?
Not at all. You don’t need any prior knowledge to enjoy classical music. Some people like to read up or listen in advance, while others prefer to experience it all fresh. It’s entirely up to you – there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy a concert.
When should I clap?
This is one of the most common questions – and it’s easy once you know! It’s traditional to wait until the end of a full piece before clapping. Many longer works have several movements (quiet pauses between sections), and people usually hold their applause until the end. If you’re ever unsure, just follow the lead of the rest of the audience.
What happens at the end?
After the final note, the audience applauds – and sometimes cheers or even gives a standing ovation if the performance really wowed them. Occasionally, the orchestra might return for an encore: a short extra piece played as a thank you for your enthusiasm. This will not usually be listed in the concert programme, but we can help you find out the name of the piece if you enjoyed it – just drop us an email.
How long is the concert?
Most concerts last between 90 minutes and two hours and include a 20-minute interval. The event page will show the estimated running time around 48 hours before the concert, although this can vary depending on whether the conductor talks to the audience between pieces.
Is there an interval?
Usually, yes. Intervals are a great time to stretch your legs, visit the bar, use the loos, or simply chat about the music with your companions. There will be an announcement on the PA system in the foyers and toilets, letting you know when the concert is due to restart.
Can I pick where I sit?
Yes. When booking online or via the Box Office, you can select your seat from a seating plan. Some people like to be close to the stage, while others prefer a view from above. For concerts with a piano soloist, the piano is always positioned the same way on stage. Many people prefer to sit on the left side of the Hall to get a clear view of the pianist’s hands, but of course, where you sit is completely up to you. You might enjoy trying a few different spots over time to see what suits you best, and the Hall was carefully designed to ensure the music sounds fantastic no matter where you’re seated.
Can I bring food and/or drink into the venue?
We kindly ask that you don’t bring your own food or drink into the venue. However, each person is welcome to bring one sealed plastic bottle of water (up to 500ml). Our bars are open before the concert and during the interval for drinks and snacks such as chocolate and sweets, and, depending on the concert, you may be able to take your drink into the auditorium in a plastic glass.
Is there a cloakroom?
Yes – our cloakroom is open before most performances and costs £2.00 per item. Please note: bags larger than A3 size are not allowed inside the venue, so if in doubt, pack light!
Can I take photos or videos?
We ask that you don’t take photos or record during the performance, as it can be distracting for the musicians and audience. But you’re very welcome to take photos before or after the concert – and we’d love to see them! Tag us in your posts on social media.
Is the Hall accessible?
Yes. The Bridgewater Hall is fully accessible, with step-free access, lifts, accessible toilets, and designated spaces for wheelchair users. If you have access requirements, just let us know when booking or contact the Box Office for more info.
You’re All Set!
We hope this guide has taken the mystery out of classical concerts and made you feel more confident about your first visit. Whether you’re coming alone, with friends, or bringing the whole family, our team is here to make your experience easy, enjoyable and inspiring.
If you have any more questions, feel free to check our full FAQ section or get in touch with our friendly Box Office team.
Welcome to The Bridgewater Hall – and enjoy the music.