大象传媒 Radio 3 - listen up

Attending an orchestral concert for the first time need not be an intimidating experience. It may seem that there are certain conventions known only听to the initiated but once you're been to a concert it all becomes clear!
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What are all those instruments?

A full symphony orchestra can look bewilderingly large on the stage, and it helps to understand what everyone does.

The instruments at the front of the stage are the strings. They are normally seated with the violins on the left hand side of the stage, followed from left to right by the violas and cellos, and finally the double basses at the back on the right.

Behind the strings sit the woodwind, generally in two rows. In the first row come the flutes and oboes, and behind them are the clarinets and bassoons. Depending on what piece is being played, you might also see the piccolo, cor anglais, bass clarinet or contra bassoon to help out playing very high or low notes.

Behind the woodwind you'll see the brass. On the left of the stage are the French horns, and on the right trumpets, trombones and finally tubas.

At the very back of the stage come the percussion, dominated by the timpani (kettle drums).听 Other percussion instruments include cymbals, bass drum, triangle, snare drum,听xylophone and tamburine - though there are loads of others too.听

What should I wear?

Whatever you feel comfortable in! The most important thing is that you enjoy your evening, and while some people听dress more formally, just as many come in jeans, combat trousers, trainers or loafers!

When should I clap?

It can often be difficult to know when you are 'supposed' to clap.听 At the beginning the 'leader' of the orchestra (who sits at the front of the first violins) usually walks on first followed by the conductor and each gets a separate round of applause.听 During the music you generally clap only once the piece is complete (rather than between movements). If you don't know the piece, your concert programme will tell you how many movements there are in a particular piece. There is normally a 10-20 second pause between movements, so you should be able to work out which movement you are hearing.

If that doesn't work, wait for everyone else to start, and then join in!

Which concerts are suitable for children?

Many orchestras give special family concerts aimed at kids and featuring music written by composers for children or that children will recognise from TV or films.听 Also look out for activity and fun days where children can meet players or have a go at instruments.听 Many orchestras also work in schools as part of outreach work, introducing classical music to a new generation of listeners.

Which concerts include music that I might have heard before?

Look out for Popular Classics concerts or Fireworks concerts - often given over the summer months at stately homes or in parks - these are bound to include music that you will recognise and can be a good start in getting into the Classics.

The Orchestra
Your handy guide to concert going
Participating in orchestral life
Professional Orchestras in the UK