We're so excited that you are interested in attending one of our concerts! Below is everything you need to know from start to finish.
What is the concert about?
Check our website or social media pages for our program in the months leading up to our concerts. Every December we perform The Messiah by G. F. Handel, each June we perform works chosen by our artistic director.
We periodically post clips of rehearsals or information about the music so you can learn more before attending.
How do I get tickets?
Tickets to our concerts go on sale approxomately 6 weeks prior to the event and are available from members of the choir (cash or check), through our website (card payments), and at the door (cash, check or card).
Tickets are $20 and are general admission.
What do I wear?
Typical dress for a classical music concert is business casual, but we just want you to enjoy the music, so dress comfortably!
Layers are good as the church can get very warm, especially for the Spring concert.
Where do I go?
Our concerts are held at Sarah Jane Johnson Memorial UMC in Johnson City, NY
Parking is available in the following places: the church parking lot, the UHS parking lot (both accessible from Baldwin or Arch Streets), along adjacent streets, or at the US Post Office across Main St.
Plan to arrive early, close parking spots fill quickly and seating is first come, first served. Concerts start promptly at 7:00pm
What do I expect at the concert?
Our concerts are generally 90 minutes - 2 hours and have an intermission.
During intermission there are usually refreshments available for a donation.
Classical works of music often have many movements (sections), so a concert with just 2 pieces may be longer than expected. You can check your program for details.
There are many rituals that come with a classical music concert, a few of them are listed below:
The concert is ready to begin when the choir and orchestra are seated. Often someone will make announcements once everyone is in place.
The concertmaster (violinist) will enter or stand and bow (applause) before cueing the oboe player to play the tuning note 2-3 times. This allows the orchestra to be tuned to each other and is the sign that the concert is starting.
The conductor will enter (with soloists), take their places and bow (applause)
The music begins!
At the end of the concert, the conductor and soloists will typically leave the stage during the applause, then return to be acknowledged again. At this time, the conductor will also recognize the orchestra, the concertmaster, any instrumental soloists, as well as the choir (you'll see the choir stand and sit multiple times during this applause)
What should I do during the concert?
Focus on the music. Refer to your program to clarify text and listen for tempo and dynamic changes that indicate the mood.
Please try to refrain from talking (even whispering) or rustling around.
Turn off or silence phones, and please don't take photos or videos of the performance (in many cases, it violates our contracts). Definitely don't use a flash!
Stay in your seat during the music.
Wait to clap until the end of an entire piece if the work has multiple movements, the silence is often part of the mood. *An exception to this guideline is after the Hallelujah Chorus in The Messiah. People will often stand during this movement and clap at the end.
For more information on clapping etiquette, please visit: Inside the Arts
For more information on all things related to live classical music, please visit: How to Enjoy a Live Concert
