Common Questions

If you are attending your first Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra concert, below are some frequently asked questions to help make your experience more enjoyable.

What should I wear?
Most concertgoers come in business or business casual clothing. You might prefer to be a little more dressed up, especially if it's a special occasion, or you might prefer to be a little more casual.

When should I arrive?
We try our best to begin all concerts on time. Therefore, we recommend that you try to arrive no later than 15 minutes before the concert is scheduled to begin, even earlier if you still need to purchase tickets. To help reduce distracting noises during the performances, there are designated pauses in each program when late arrivals will be able to be seated. Unfortunately, some concerts have no late seating. To confirm a particular concert's late seating policy, please call the RPO Box Office at (585) 454-2100. If you have to leave a concert before its end, please do so between program works.

How long is a typical performance?
Program length varies, but a typical RPO Philharmonics or WPOP performance lasts about two hours, including one intermission. Symphony 101, Casual Sunday Matinee and orKIDStra concerts are closer to an hour in length. You can always call the Box Office at (585) 454-2100 for more information.

When do I clap?
Many works in classical music, such as a Beethoven symphony or Mozart piano concerto, have three or more movements or sections. A short pause usually falls in between each of them. It has become customary over time not to clap during these short pauses. To find out the number of movements (and corresponding number of pauses) in a piece, turn to the program page in your program book. You will find that each work is subdivided by movement (usually indicated by tempo markings in Italian). After the last movement, clap to your heart's content.

Can I bring my cellular phone?
Pagers and cellular phones should be turned off or set on vibrate before entering the theatre. Patrons wearing alarm watches are also requested to turn them off before entering the theatre. Please contact the house manager before entering the theatre if emergency notification may be required.

Can I take pictures?
No still cameras, video cameras or tape recorders are permitted at any RPO performance. All equipment should be checked with the house manager prior to entering the auditorium.

What if I have to cough?
In an effort to help reduce distracting noises and enhance the concert-going experience, Wegmans provides complimentary Halls cough suppressant tablets (subject to availability) to patrons attending all concerts. Cough drop dispensers are located in the main and balcony lobbies of the Eastman Theatre. Please see an usher or the house manager at the Performance Hall at Hochstein if you would like a cough tablet.

Can I bring my children?
Children are welcome at RPO concerts. In order to comply with fire code regulations, all patrons one year of age and older need a ticket to attend a performance.