FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT DO I WEAR TO THE ORCHESTRA?

Whatever you want! At the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra there is no formal dress code. We want you to feel happy and relaxed so you can enjoy the performance. Most attendees wear business-casual attire, but you will see everything from jeans to cocktail wear. Dress in your own style and what makes you most comfortable.

WHAT IS YOUR MOBILE PHONE POLICY?

One of the joys of a live concert is you can sit back and experience the music without distractions, but we also know you don’t want to miss an important message from the babysitter. So, if you leave your mobile device on, we simply ask that you turn the sound off, turn the brightness down, and be considerate of your neighbours.

WHERE CAN I FIND PARKING?

There are several parking lots in the area, but leave yourself time to find a spot as they fill up fast. Underground parking is available at Arts Commons and the nearby Civic Plaza and Telus Convention Centre parkades. If you take the C-Train, the stations are located one block from Arts Commons. Also, bike racks can be found on Stephen Avenue in front of the Jack Singer Concert Hall.

ARE DRINKS ALLOWED IN THE CONCERT HALL?

Yes! Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are permitted in the concert hall, with the exception of the occasional Family Special. Many people arrive early to enjoy a drink in the lobby or take in a pre-concert chat before the performance.

CAN I TAKE PHOTOS OR VIDEOS IN THE CONCERT HALL?

We are happy for you to share your experience at a CPO performance. For most performances you can take quick photos or videos, but you can’t use a flash — as you can imagine, it interferes with the musicians’ ability to see the music.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I’M LATE?

We realize that even the best laid plans sometimes go sideways. Ushers do their best to seat latecomers at appropriate breaks in the performance, but in some cases, this may not be possible until the completion of an entire work. We don’t want you to miss anything, so you can listen to the music and watch the screens in the lobby.

HOW LONG IS A CONCERT?

Concert length varies, but a typical performance starting at 7:30PM is about two hours long including a 20-minute intermission. Rush Hour concerts, held on select Fridays at 6:30PM, and Symphony Sundays for Kids concerts, held on select Sundays at 3PM, are usually one hour long with no intermission.

WHEN DO I CLAP?

This is our most common question. Traditionally in classical music culture, audiences hold their applause until the end of an entire piece (there can be multiple movements, with short breaks between them, in one piece). This is intended to respect the performers’ focus and the flow of the music. You’ll know when the piece is finished because the conductor typically puts their arms down completely and turns to the audience. But if you do happen to clap before the piece is finished, that’s okay! The musicians will be happy to know you’re enjoying the performance.

MORE QUESTIONS?

Visit calgaryphil.com/ plan-your-experience