Here are answers to some often-asked questions about going to SSO concerts, which will help make your next visit even more enjoyable.
What should I wear?
Formal dress codes are not enforced at most concerts in Singapore. On weeknights, for instance, many people come to the concerts from work in business attire, which is fine. Smart casual attire is usually adequate for most concerts – no shorts, singlets or slippers. Formal dress – evening gowns and tuxedos – can be worn to special gala events, if you wish.
Can I bring my mobile phone or camera?
Please turn off your mobile phone and other beeping devices (like watches!) before entering the hall, and do check again after the intermission that these are turned off. Noise of any kind – talking, coughing, sweet wrappers, plastic bags – can be distracting to the performers and audience members. Unauthorised recording and photo-taking are not allowed in the concert hall.
Can I take my child?
We definitely encourage you to bring your child to the concert – it is never too early for them to start enjoying the magic of classical music! However, we do ask that they do not whisper, fidget or otherwise distract other audience members. Unfortunately, children below 6 years of age are not admitted into the concert hall unless otherwise indicated.
Late Seating
SSO concerts begin promptly at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated. You are encouraged to arrive at least 15 minutes before the concert begins. This will give you time to find your seat, relax, read the programme notes and watch the musicians as they take the stage. Latecomers will not be admitted until a suitable break (which may be the intermission!) Patrons who leave the hall before or during a work cannot be reseated until the work is over.
When should I applaud?
Normally, just as the concert begins, the audience applauds to greet the Concertmaster when he or she comes on stage, and then again when the conductor and soloist(s) enter. After that, you may applaud at the end of each work, or when the conductor turns to you and bows, to show your appreciation.
Some longer works may have several sections, or movements, separated by a brief, silent pause: usually the audience applauds only at the end of the entire work. If you are unsure, check the programme to see how many movements there are. Or you can always wait for the rest of the audience to clap before applauding.
When a piece of music has ended, the conductor and soloist will return for “curtain calls”, depending on the level of applause. If you have really enjoyed yourself, let the performers know by shouting “Bravo!”, “Encore!” or even accord the performers with a standing ovation!
Concert Programmes
The orchestra usually distributes concert programmes at the door. Take a copy to learn more about the artist, orchestra and repertoire, and get even more out of your concert experience. We don’t normally charge for programmes, but we would definitely be grateful for any donations to help defray our printing costs! Do share with a friend and try not to take more copies than necessary.
SSO Store
The SSO store is located on Level 1, outside Door 1 at the Esplanade Concert Hall. Visit the store to browse through our selection of CDs, SSO recordings and souvenirs such as SSO t-shirts, or simply to pick up an SSO brochure. We are open before and after each SSO performance, as well as during intermission.
Autograph sessions
You are welcome to meet the performer(s) and offer your personal compliments at the autograph sessions, if any. Please wait patiently in the queue and be considerate to others who are waiting by keeping your conversation with the performer brief. |
