Symphony 101
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
& GUEST POLICIES
Welcome to the Baton Rouge Symphony! If you’re reading this page, that means you’re hopefully joining us soon for a concert, and we love that.
We care a LOT about growing our audience and making sure people who are newer to classical music and/or orchestra concerts have a great experience so ultimately you come back again, and all of the questions here came from a group of new attendees that told us what they wanted to know before coming. Have a question that’s not answered here? Send us a message on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (@BRSymphony) or you can email us at patron.services@brso.org.
I’ve never been to an orchestra concert before. What should I expect?
Expect to enjoy yourself! This is the time to let go of any preconceptions you may have about classical music or the concert experience. If you feel a little nervous, that’s OK. Some things about the concert may seem strange because they’re new to you, but if you just focus on the music, you’ll have a great time. Open yourself up to the music. Let it trigger your emotions–maybe even your memories. Feel the rhythms; follow the tunes. Watch the musicians and the conductor and see how they interact with each other. Notice how the music ebbs and flows–surging and powerful at some times, delicate and ephemeral at others, and everything in between. Seeing a symphony is awe-inspiring. There is something about the live experience that just can’t be beaten.
Where do you perform?
Our home concert hall is the River Center Theater, this is where we will perform our Orchestral concerts, as well as the home of the Irene W. and C. B. Pennington Foundation Great Performers in Concert Series. Our Lamar Family Chamber Series performs at various host locations throughout the Greater Baton Rouge Area, check our website for location specifics. Our Candlelight Concert Series is held in the Virginia and John Noland Black Box at the Cary Saurage Community Arts Center. Throughout the season, BRSO will perform “pop up” concerts, so be sure to follow our social media for any special announcements.
How much are symphony tickets?
Ticket prices will vary depending on the concert, but most range from $19 - $65.
Should I arrive early?
Absolutely! Plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before concert time, so you can find your seat, turn off your cell phone, take a look at your surroundings, absorb the atmosphere, and have time to glance through the program book, too. You won’t be alone. Many concertgoers make a point of coming early to read the program notes, watch the orchestra warm up, listen to music in the lobby, or (depending on the venue) visit the bar and talk with friends. Rushing to your seat at the last minute doesn’t really give you enough time to get settled, so you may not fully enjoy the first piece on the program. And there’s another good reason to come early: Most concerts start on time. If you’re late, you may end up listening from the lobby! If that happens, the usher will allow you inside during a suitable pause in the program, so your arrival won’t disturb other concertgoers.
What happens if I’m running late?
For the comfort and listening pleasure of the audience in the auditorium, late-arriving patrons will not be seated while music is being performed. Latecomers will be seated at appropriate pauses in the performance.
What should I wear?
There is no dress code! At most Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra concerts, you’ll see a majority of concert-goers in business casual attire, but you’ll see everything from jeans to cocktail dresses. Some people love dressing up and going out—if that’s you, do it and you won’t be the only one, we promise. If you prefer to be more casual, then you probably won’t be the only one dressed casually, either. More than anything, we want you to be comfortable when you join us for a concert, so dress in a way that works for you. For our evening parties and special events though, bring on the ritz. In short, you do you, and we’re just glad you’re joining us.
If I don’t know a lot (or anything) about classical music, do I need to study beforehand?
The music will absolutely speak for itself. Just come and enjoy it! Over time, many frequent concertgoers do find deeper enjoyment if they prepare for a concert. This can be simple, like reading the program notes beforehand; or it can be more involved, like listening to recordings of the music to be performed in the days before they attend a concert. You know yourself best, so if research interests you, go ahead and follow your curiosity. But if studying isn’t your thing, there’s no need to be concerned about it. Just listen with an open mind.
Will I recognize any of the music?
Probably! Classical music is all around us in commercials, movie soundtracks, television themes, cartoons, retail shops, and even some elevators. Popular music often quotes classical melodies, as well. Hearing it performed live by a full orchestra is a completely different experience, though.
Whether or not you’ve heard the music before the concert, as you listen, you’ll notice that each classical piece uses its own group of several tunes over and over, in different ways. You’ll start to “recognize” these melodies as a work progresses. Listen for the ways a melody is repeated: Is it exactly the same as the first time, or with a different character? Is it played by the same instruments or different ones? Does it start the same as before, but go off in a different direction? Or start differently and surprise you by developing into the tune you recognize from earlier in the piece?
How long is the concert?
It varies, but most BRSO concerts are about 90 minutes to two hours long, with an intermission at the halfway point.
May I take pictures?
We do ask you to silence before the concert begins. We ask that you don’t take photos of the Orchestra or Musicians during the music, since it can be distracting to them and other audience members, especially if the flash goes off. Please feel free to take photos before and after the music (during the applause). If you’re sharing them on social media, don’t forget to tag us (@BRSymphony) or email to us to hare (patron.services@brso.org). We also ask you politely not to make audio or video recordings of the music as this is illegal, even if it’s just for your own enjoyment.
May I bring my kids?
Absolutely! We welcome children and young people to all concerts. If your children are under 12 you might prefer to bring them to our Home for the Holidays concert, but we love to see young music lovers at all concerts!
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Yes! The box office is there for you to purchase individual tickets when the doors open. Please refer to our ticket prices for each concert. Please Note: not all concerts will have at-door availability. Our candlelight concerts tend to sell out in advance. We strongly encourage patrons to call the box office or order online prior to the day of to ensure availability.
I want to volunteer - how do I?
Obviously, you do! The real heroes behind every organization are its volunteers. These are the individuals who give unselfishly of their time, energy, and talents in order to serve their community. We at the BRSO are lucky to have you and your commitment to us is appreciated in ways that you often cannot imagine. We are deeply indebted and grateful to anyone who is able to volunteer. The BRSO relies on the help of volunteers in a variety of areas. From taking tickets, or setting up the stage, to setting up fundraisers, your help is vital to the success of the BRSO. If you are gracious enough to provide us with your time you may be asked to provide assistance in a number of areas. If you would like to volunteer, call (225) 383-0500 or email us at patron.services@brso.org.
We will send an email to all ticket holders about a week before each concert with any specifics for that particular location, including parking, concessions, and any venue specifics.
The River Center is a clear bag facility. All bags or purses must be clear and no larger than 12 in x 12 in x 6 in.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How far in advance of the performance start time should I arrive?
To ensure timely entry, please arrive early for your performance.
What if I arrive late?
Latecomers will be seated at the first appropriate interval in the program and in the most accessible seats. Patrons that are seated late may claim their ticketed seat at intermission.
Will there be food and beverage offered at the performance?
Food and beverage service will be limited and dependent on the concert location. Intermission Bars may be open for limited service before and during performances.
Am I allowed to record during the performance?
No - use of cameras and other recording devices are not permitted during performances.
Do I need a clear bag to get into the River Center?
Yes. The River Center is now a clear bag facility. All bags or purses must be clear and no larger than 12 inches x 12 inches x 6 inches.
Where can I park to attend a concert?
Off-street parking is available on a case-by-case basis.
Parking is available in the parking garages located on St. Louis Boulevard. There is a fee to park in these garages for most events and they accept CARD ONLY.
From the West: Take I-10 East to Baton Rouge and take exit 155A for LA-30/Nicholson Dr. Keep right, follow signs for LA-30/Nicholson Dr. Continue onto St. Louis St. The West Parking Garage will be on your left and the East Parking Garage will be on your right.
From the East: Take I-10 West to Baton Rouge and use the right lane to keep right at the fork, continue on I-110 N and follow signs for Downtown/Metro Airport. Take exit 1A for Government St./LA-73 S. Turn left onto Government St. and turn right onto St. Louis St. The West Parking Garage will be on your left and the East Parking Garage will be on your right.
General Policies for BRSO Concertgoers:
Refunds will be issued on a case by case basis. We will more commonly issue patron credit vouchers to be redeemed for future BRSO concerts.
Last minute questions and concerns will be addressed via phone and email before 2pm on concert days. There is no guarantee the box office will be able to address your issue after that time.
Patrons without their tickets must visit the box office table to check in for concerts.
Latecomers will be seated at the first appropriate interval in the program.
Performance dates, times, locations, repertoire, and artists are subject to change. BRSO will make every reasonable effort to contact patrons with any changes. Patrons are responsible for ensuring BRSO has accurate means of contact.
Admission to BRSO events constitutes your permission to use your image/likeness to promote the BRSO and its programs.
Use of cameras and recording devices are not permitted during concerts.
All advertising for the programs is handled by Applause Marketing at 321-326-6274
CONTACT US
If you have any questions about BRSO’s policies, please contact Patron Services at (225) 383-0500, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.