Your Visit
Ever wondered what to wear, when to clap, when to arrive? What to do if you’re late?
You’re not alone!
We want you to have a great evening with the TSO, relax and enjoy the music, so here are answers to a few questions you might have. And if your question isn’t answered below, you can always call the Box Office on 1800 001 190.
Is there a dress code?
No, we don’t have a dress code, other than for the people on stage! Please come as you feel comfortable – jeans are perfectly acceptable, but if you would like to dress more smartly, please do.
Our opening concert for the season however is usually a little more formal where we celebrate the season at interval with a glass of sparkling wine for all the audience.
What time do the doors open?
The majority of TSO concerts begin at 7.30pm, which means that doors open at around 7pm. There are various bars, cafes and restaurants in close proximity to the venue and many are open before the concert. Come early for dinner or to meet friends for a pre-concert drink. Please check the start time of your concert – some start earlier or later, especially the Family, Maestro and Showtime concerts
Can I learn more about the program before the concert?
The TSO website www.tso.com.au is packed with information about conductors, soloists, composers and the program notes for each concert.
Additionally at all Master Series concerts the TSO arranges for a musical expert to give an informative talk in the concert hall one hour before the concert. These talks are free to ticket holders and last about 30 minutes. They are a great way to understand the music and composers so you will hopefully enjoy the concert you’re about to attend even more.
Can I buy a ticket on the door?
For all but a few concerts there are usually tickets available to buy on the door, it all depends on the demand for tickets. The box office opens a minimum of 2 hours before the performance. We would always recommend booking in advance to make sure you get the seat you want though, as some prices do sell out.
Are there discounts on the night?
For reserve seat concerts at the Federation Concert Hall and Albert Hall we have ‘Late Rush’ tickets available two hours before the concert at $12 cash only. These tickets are limited, normally the front few rows of the concert hall and sold on a first serve basis. Be early and have your cash ready!
Can I bring my children?
Each year the TSO has a Family Classic concert series which are designed especially for children. These concerts are much more informal, shorter in length and usually have some element of participation. To these concerts we welcome children of all ages and child tickets are only $5.
For all other concerts we do not admit children under 5 years of age. Children 5 years plus, accompanied by an adult can attend all concerts. The accompanying adult must be responsible for the child’s behaviour in the concert hall and be considerate of other audience members and the orchestra. Children’s tickets are charged at the Student price.
What happens if I have lost my ticket?
If you have lost your ticket please come along to the box office desk as early as you can, bringing your booking reference with you. The staff will be able to reprint your ticket.
What if my friends are late?
If you arrive on time but your friends are late we suggest that you go into the concert and leave their ticket for them to collect from the box office when they arrive. Where possible the box office remains open until the interval.
Do you sell programmes?
The TSO produce informative Programs for most concerts. As a subscriber to the TSO these programs are free and to all others the cost is a ‘gold coin’. You can also download and print your own copy of the program from the TSO website www.tso.com.au
Will I be allowed into the concert if I’m late?
You will only be allowed into the concert during a suitable break in the programme, for example the end of a movement or after the overture, so that other audience members are not disturbed. On some occasions there aren’t any suitable breaks, so we ask that people remain outside the hall until the interval – there is a screen in the foyer of the Federation Concert Hall on which you can watch the concert if this is the case. It is best to allow plenty of time for you to be seated well before the concert.
When should I clap?
A well-debated question this one! It is traditional to clap at the end of a piece of music, as opposed to after each movement (e.g. in a symphony or concerto). This is to help the music flow smoothly, or to set the scene for the following movement. Your programme will give you a clue as to how many movements there are. But often it’s not so clear cut! What we suggest is to look at the conductor, who will usually provide a signal that the piece has ended, or to follow others in the audience. We do of course love it when people express their delight at our performance, but if you feel uncomfortable and unsure about when to clap, it’s generally best to wait for others to start…
Remember when the Conductor, Concert Master or Soloist enters the stage it is traditional to give a warm welcoming applause.
Can I bring my drink into the Hall?
We ask that people don’t do this, as it can be distracting for others around you. Water in bottles is allowed.
Can I take photos during the concert?
We ask that you don’t take photos of the Orchestra or musicians during the music, since this can be distracting to them and other audience members, especially if the flash goes off! We also ask you politely not to make audio or video recordings of the music as this is illegal, even if it is just for your own enjoyment.
Can I use Facebook and Twitter during a concert?
We would love for you to use your favourite social media to tell your friends about the TSO and the concert you have been to, but only outside the concert hall. Use of mobile phones in a concert can be very distracting to the orchestra and other members of the audience.
How long is the interval?
Most concerts have 20 minute intervals, but there may be a few with shorter, longer or none at all.
Do you record concerts?
Most TSO concerts in Hobart and Launceston are recorded by the ABC and this is indicated in the concert program. Some concerts are broadcast live, other for later broadcast on ABC Classic FM. We suggest you look at the ABC web for details of programming www.abc.net.au/classic/.
Does the TSO sell CDs?
The TSO is one of Australia’s most recorded symphony orchestras. These recordings cover the main repertoire of the orchestra and feature many of our favourite conductors and soloists. CDs are for sale at the Box Office or via our website www.tso.com.au . We offer a 10% discount to all TSO subscribers.
Can I get the soloist’s or conductor’s autographs?
It usually depends on the soloist or conductor – some will, some won’t. On many occasions we will arrange a CD and program signing after the concert or during the interval. Notice of these will be displayed at the Box Office and in the foyer prior to the concert. If you would like to purchase a CD for signing it is recommended that this is done prior to the concert or at interval. The signing takes place in the foyer.