.jpg)
What To Expect
Whether it's your first concert with us or your hundredth, we're glad you'll be in the audience! The number one rule at our concerts is to enjoy yourself. But here are a few things to expect to help you make the most of your experience.
Have a question that isn't answered below? Let us know!
Whatever you want! Some people choose to use the evening as a night out and will wear dress clothes or business attire, while others prefer to attend in more casual, everyday clothes. Only our musicians have a dress code so come as you are!
Free lot parking with accessible and designated handicapped parking spaces is available just outside the Hall
When you walk in, you'll be greeted by an usher who can direct you to our box office if you need to buy tickets, or will show you how to access the hall if you already have tickets. Our seating is General Admission so please take whatever seat you feel most comfortable in. The concert will begin with a welcome from our Board President, and often notes on the program from our Artistic Committee or Conductor. Our Concertmaster will enter the stage to tune the orchestra, followed by our Conductor who will begin the program. You will be provided with a program that has information on the orchestra, as well as the concert program. In addition to the program notes that give more information about the music, there will be slides projected above the musicians with additional information and relevant photos to help you make the most of your experience.
Most concerts will have a 15-20 minute intermission, during which musicians will leave the stage, and you will have an opportunity to stretch, use the restroom, or purchase tickets for upcoming concerts. Musicians will return to complete the program after intermission.
In additional to clapping at the start of the concert when the Concertmaster and Conductor enter the stage, it is ALWAYS appropriate to clap at the end of a piece. Some pieces are in "movements", or individual parts that make up the entire composition. To provide continuity to the piece, we conventionally do not clap between movements because the composition is not finished. (In our programs, the “piece” is the bold header while the “movements” are indicated by Roman numerals.) However, our number one rule when you join us is for you to enjoy yourself. So, as long as there is no music being played, there is not a "wrong time" to clap and our musicians are grateful for your appreciation!
Possibly! Georgia Philharmonic strives to program seasons that include familiar favorites alongside new compositions and works by underperformed composers. Much of traditional orchestral music inspired modern-day film scores so even if you're unfamiliar with a specific piece, you've likely heard it in other contexts. Repertoire for each concert can also be found on each concert page, allowing you to listen to each piece online before attending the concert.
We encourage it! We simply ask that you turn off the flash and silence the shutter sound to avoid distracting musicians and the audience. Tag us in your social media posts @gaphilharmonic or share with #gaphilharmonic so that we can see your views from the night!
*Please note that other orchestras may have different policies regarding photos and videos.
Absolutely! You will be able to greet your friend before and after the concert, and at intermission. Out of respect for our musicians and their instruments, please do not come onto the stage or enter backstage. There are meeting locations in the foyer and alcoves of Lassiter Concert Hall, and we encourage you to coordinate a suitable meeting location with your friends.
While we allow late seating, an usher may ask you to wait until a piece has concluded before entering the Hall to avoid disturbing other guests. If you anticipate needing to leave early, there are many seats available on the wings and aisles to allow you a convenient way to exit. With the exception of unforeseen medical or personal emergencies, we ask that you make an effort to exit at intermission, or between pieces.
The concert hall is entered from the ground floor and there are many accessible seating options, including spaces for those with mobility devices. Georgia Philharmonic does not have mobility devices onsite, but you are welcome to bring your own. Please contact us if you have specific questions or needs.