1. Is it possible to have something to eat, drink during the intermission? Where is the coffee bar?
2. What ‘rituals’ and habits the listener should be familiar when attending a concert?
3. When can I pick up the ticket purchased or reserved? Could this be any day other than that of the concert?
4. Can I buy the ticket over the Internet and how to do it?
5. Should I collect my ticket at the Philharmonic or can they be mailed to the address of the buyer?
6. What are The Metropolitan Opera broadcasts about?
7. Are there any educational activities and concerts for children on the programme?
8. Are there any educational activities for adults and where can one get some information about them?
9. What to wear?
10. How long is the concert?
11. When to clap?
12. When to come?
13. Is it allowed to take pictures or record the concert?
14. What do the musicians do on stage before the concert?
15. Where can I find detailed information on the concert programme?
Answers:
1. Is it possible to have something to eat, drink during the intermission? Where is the coffee bar?
Our Sonatina coffee bar welcomes all music lovers right before the concert and during intermissions. The cafe is located close to the Chamber Hall and offers delicious cakes, pastries and other sweets. We also offer a wide range of beverages. We recommend a combination of a standard frequently ordered dish along with a great cup of coffee and a pastry.
2. What ‘rituals’ and habits the listener should be familiar when attending a concert?
The philharmonic has no special rituals or customs a music lover should know about. There are, however, a few basic rules you need to adhere to during the concert. Please keep silent and make sure any unexpected sound devices are switched off (mobile phone or other electronic devices). You cannot record concerts or take pictures. If you are late and the concert has already started, you will be allowed to come in only if it is not disturbing to others in the audience. If that is the case, you will not be allowed to come in until the break.
Another rule worth mentioning is that you are not allowed to eat or drink during the concert.
3. When can I pick up the ticket purchased or reserved? Could this be any day other than that of the concert?
Reserved tickets must be purchased within 14 days from the booking date, but not later than 3 days before the concert. Otherwise, the reservation will be cancelled.
4. Can I buy the ticket over the Internet and how to do it?
Sure you can. In the 2010/2011 season you can buy your ticket on Internet via e-Bilet. Details will be announced soon and you can read about them on our website.
5. Should I collect my ticket at the Philharmonic or can they be mailed to the address of the buyer?
The E-Bilet (e-ticket) for the 2010/2011 season offers many alternatives. One of them is the possibility of sending a ticket to the address specified in the booking form. On top of that, the system offers you a print− off option at your home. Additionally, the tickets may be collected at points of sale and at The Philharmonic box – office.
6. What are The Metropolitan Opera broadcasts about?
These are the broadcasts of opera live performances from the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Transmissions take place in High Definition, on a huge screen measuring 6x11 meters, using a modern system of transmission of Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround. It was the Lodz Philharmonic, which first began broadcasting its performances in January 2008 by the initiative of its then director, Andrzeja Sulka.
7. Are there any educational activities and concerts for children on the programme?
Yes, there are. Our offer aimed at the youngest audience consists of the broad variety of activities and from the last year it was extended again by ‘Baby Boom Boom’ workshops for toddlers and their parents. ‘The Music Explorers’ workshops are perpetually popular.
8. Are there any educational activities for adults and where can one get some information about them?
In the current concert season we intend to develop several new educational ideas. Already on September 10th in The Chamber Hall we will start the so – called ‘Classical Music – how to listen’. during the course, we will try to address many questions and issues that the participants may have, and most importantly, help you gain a better understanding of music.
‘The Choir for Beginners’ sessions are another alternative on our programme for music lovers. What requirements must one meet to be able to join in? You just need to like to sing. Simple as that. We do not conduct any auditions for the choir. The first meeting is on October 6th , 2010 in The Concert Hall at 6:30 PM.
9. What to wear?
The simple answer is: ‘wear what you like’ – within reason of course. It’s important for you to feel comfortable and be able to enjoy the music. Some music lovers prefer formal dress code, others wear semi − casual clothes. You must have seen the movies where the ladies would wear evening dresses and the gentlemen tuxedos – it happens, but in principle, several times a year and always for the solemn occasion of opening and closing the concert season. The basic rule says that the only dressed up people for every concert are the artists on stage.
10. How long is the concert?
The programme of each concert is different but usually it is about two hours long with A 20 minute break. The ‘Meeting with musical note’ series children concerts are of a similar duration, i.e about two hours with 20 minute break between parts, same as in the case of the symphonic concerts.
11. When to clap?
Most of the works in classical music such as symphonies and concerts have three or four parts. Typically, after each of them there is a short break. It is widely accepted that between the different parts the artist is not rewarded with applause. To find out ht the number of movements in a particular piece, it is best to have a look at the concert programme. You will find out there that each composition is divided and each section is introduced by Italian tempo markings. There are also other ways to make sure the composition is finished and you can start clapping without the fear of committing a faux pas:
a. The conductor puts his hands down and turns around facing the audience
b. The entire Concert Hall is beginning to clap
12. When to come?
Arriving 20 minutes before the concert is the best solution. This way you will have the time to pick up your tickets, visit the philharmonic cafe, switch off your mobile phone, find your seat and read the concert programme. Please note that if you are unable to make it on time, you will have to wait in the foyer until a break in the concert will be long enough so that you could make your way to your seat on time.
13. Is it allowed to take pictures or record the concert?
This is probably the simplest answer of all – no! Not only does it cause the confusion on the stage and disturb other music lovers but it also violates copyrights.
14. What do the musicians do on stage before the concert?
A few minutes before the concert starts, all the musicians need to warm up. Before the conductor arrives, the lights are off and concertmaster (first violinist) gives a signal to the first oboist to play the ‘A’ sound. This is the sound the whole orchestra tunes their instruments to so that the sound is clean.
15. Where can I find detailed information on the concert programme?
Information about our forthcoming concerts can be found on our website.