What to expect at a TSO concert
6 January 2024. Written by Stephanie Eslake.
Are you new to the orchestra?
Listening to music at home can stir your emotions but nothing beats the thrill of a live orchestral experience, when your breathing, heart beat and even your goosebumps fall into sync with those around you.
The best part is that you don’t need to worry about wearing a formal outfit or breaking any ‘rules’. Read on to discover why the TSO should be on your must-do list.
What will I experience at a TSO concert?
‘To hear a symphony orchestra live – and to be in the room with the musicians making the music – is not an experience that can be replicated in any other way,’ William Newbery says.
As a musician in the TSO's viola section and the host of the orchestra's 6pm Series, Will would know. When he plays, he is surrounded by luscious string instruments that soar with romantic melodies, and power through rip-roaring symphonies.
Each TSO concert is planned for the pleasure of the audience, from compact and thrilling one-hour performances to the magnificent Federation Concert Hall series. You’ll hear inspiring new Australian music alongside famous works by the greatest composers of all time.
Will says that if there’s one thing you shouldn’t expect, it is a stuffy concert experience. There is nothing pompous or high brow about the orchestra, he says.
‘We're all members of the Tasmanian community, just like anybody else, and we’re here to perform music that exists because composers wanted people to listen to it and enjoy it,’ Will says.
What should I know about clapping?
Classical music pieces are often divided into distinct sections called movements. Each movement can sound so thrilling that after it’s finished and the musicians pause, you may want to leap out of your seat and give our musicians a standing ovation.
But those around you will often remain silent. Why aren’t they clapping?
It has nothing to do with enjoyment, and everything to do with tradition. Some famous composers, such as Mendelssohn, Mahler, and Schumann, thought their music should flow without any distractions. But we’ve reached the 21st Century – and you can break tradition if you’re inspired to make some noise.
If you’re still feeling self-conscious about clapping between movements, why not think about what the musicians would like to hear?
‘No one should be embarrassed about enjoying something enough to clap for it,’ Will says.
It’s a view shared by the TSO's Chief Conductor and Artistic Director Eivind Aadland.
As Eivind says, ‘if you applaud in the “wrong place” between movements, it's not wrong – I love it when people do that’.
‘So don’t worry. Come and enjoy our music,’ Eivind adds.
And remember, when Will and his TSO colleagues play a gripping symphony from Beethoven or Tchaikovsky, they might even expect you to put your hands together.
‘Of course the audience is going to clap – as if you wouldn’t!’ Will says.
Do I need to dress up?
TSO musicians prioritise comfort. A few years ago, they retired the old white tie and tails, and said goodbye to the cummerbund, a centuries-old accessory. Sometimes, the musicians love nothing more than putting on a silly outfit to match a concert theme and they absolutely love it when audience members join in the fun.
Mostly, the musicians like to feel confident and relaxed. That’s exactly how you should feel, too.
You’re welcome to dress up to the nines, but you're not expected to. Smart casual is a good place to start. You wouldn’t look out of place in a pair of jeans if that’s what you’ll feel great in.
‘The music’s going to sound the same no matter what you’re wearing. So just wear something that makes you happy,’ Will says.
Can I take photos?
The best way to enjoy a TSO concert is to be fully present. You’re here to witness something extraordinary that exists in the moment. So, switch your phone to silent, and immerse yourself in each once-in-a-lifetime performance experience.
There will be time to capture your memories before and after the concerts. Feel free to take a snapshot before the music begins, or when the performers take their final bow. Just remember to turn off the flash.
You can tag us @tasmaniansymphonyorchestra and #TasmanianSymphonyOrchestra if you’re sharing your memories.
How early should I arrive?
It's recommended that you arrive 30 minutes before the concert.
If you’re running late, don’t panic. The TSO's friendly box office staff will be there to usher you into the hall.
In Federation Concert Hall, the Atrium Bar is open for drinks before the concert, so you could settle in for a chat before the bell rings to signal that it’s time to find your seat. There’ll also be drinks in the foyer where you might spot a familiar face in the crowd. This is Tasmania, after all.
You can find further details here to help you plan your visit including accessibility arrangements for drop-off, entry, and seating that’s right for you.
Our Obscura series is held at Hobart’s Odeon Theatre, where the bar staff make a pre-concert cocktail to match the theme of each event. Doors open at 5pm, so there’s plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere before the show starts at 6pm.
Will the kids have fun?
Musicians and staff of the TSO love seeing children encounter the magical sounds of the orchestra. They've even designed a range of concerts for the little ones.
Family Concerts are tailor-made for youngsters, while Relaxed Concerts are ideal for kids with sensory needs: a small group of friendly musicians will introduce the music and instruments in a welcoming environment.
Federation Concert Hall events are an exciting option for those aged 12 and older. These concerts tend to conclude between 9:30pm-10pm.
There are plenty of options for those with an earlier bedtime. The 6pm Series concerts feature an hour of epic music, hosted by the one and only Will Newbery as MC.
Plan your Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra experience by visiting our concerts page.
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