How to Enjoy the Concert Experience ENJOY Bravo! Vail is an extremely communal experience. In fact, people often say that the social component is what sets Bravo! Vail apart from other classical music organizations. People coming together to enjoy great music in a casual atmosphere in one of the most glorious settings in the world – that’s what makes Bravo! Vail so special.
of rules around applause. If you’re a free spirit, applaud when you feel like it, although someone may give you a stern look. If not, watch for when the conductor drops his or her arms and turns around - or just take a cue from those around you. BE ON TIME Try to arrive in plenty of time to park, visit the concessions, find your seat and read about the concert in the program book. A lot of people time it so closely that they either don’t make it to their seat in time or are so rushed they cannot enjoy the beginning of the concert. Remember, parking in Vail can be challenging and time consuming.
VERY FEW RULES Bravo! Vail isn’t a fan of legislating anyone’s concert experience. Browse the Internet to see hundreds of “Concert Etiquette” entries if you are interested, but we like to use good old common sense. Be comfortable, be courteous of those around you, and have a good time.
MANNERS LIKE YOUR ELDERS TAUGHT YOU Cell phones, watch alarms, pagers, cameras, and other electronic devices are designed to make noise, but the only noise people around you want to hear is that of Beethoven, Mozart and Bach. Please turn off all these devices prior to performances, as they’ll disrupt the concentration of musicians and other patrons. If you forget, your neighbor will certainly be tempted to remind you.
DRESS Those who don’t often go to classical music concerts completely stress out about what to wear. Don’t worry because Vail is an extremely casual place and Bravo! Vail is the same. There is no set dress for concerts. You can dress formally, if you wish, or opt for the comfort of jeans and t-shirts. Wear what makes you feel comfortable. But, don’t forget that Vail at nighttime can get very cold and damp. Come prepared.
TALKING Your quiet whisper is as loud as a freight train to someone intently trying to listen to glorious sounds at Bravo! Vail, so be kind to your neighbors by keeping any unnecessary conversation to a minimum until the intermission or after the concert.
APPLAUSE Ditto on what was said above about dress. In 19th century Italy, audiences would spontaneously erupt in applause at a great rendition of an operatic aria, or when the spirit moved them. Today, we’ve manufactured lots 1