Frequently Asked Questions
What is classical music?
Although a music history teacher might define "classical music" as music written between 1750–1830, the term "classical music" has taken on a meaning much broader than that. The term "classical music" can be used to describe anything from a Bach Concerto composed in the late 17th century to a Brahms symphony composed in the mid 19th century; from an Adams tone poem written last week to a Stravinsky Symphony written in the early 20th century. Generally, classical music is defined by an ensemble composed of strings (violins, violas, cellos and basses), woodwinds (flutes, oboes, clarinets and bassoons), brass (trumpets, French horns, trombones, and tubas) and percussion (timpani, xylophone and harp), or some combination thereof.
Will I enjoy the concert?
We certainly believe you will! Classical music can be everything from exciting and invigorating to relaxing and serene. When you join us at one of our concerts, you'll embark on a musical journey that is new and beautiful at every turn. How will the music speak to you? Join us, listen, and find out!
What makes a Concord Chamber Orchestra concert unique?
We strive to make classical music accessible. What do we mean by that? We provide high quality performances by volunteer musicians who love what they do and who want to share the classical music “experience.” We perform in smaller, more intimate settings that encourage interaction among the audience members and musicians. We strive to keep our ticket prices affordable. And our repertoire is carefully selected, with the goal of offering selections the audience will recognize as well as introducing them to unfamiliar and engaging works
Will I recognize any of the music?
Odds are, you'll recognize more music than you might expect. Many of today's popular songs, television shows and movies include or are taken from classical themes, like the Lone Ranger theme (Rossini's "William Tell Overture"), United Airlines commercials (Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue"), and American Beef Council ads (Copland's "Hoe-down" from 'Rodeo').
Do I need to be familiar with the music before I attend a performance?
No. We hope that each Concord Chamber Orchestra concert will introduce you to stimulating music you've never heard before, while also possibly offering a great performance of a favorite or familiar piece you haven't heard in a while. Although some regular concert-goers do find they appreciate the performance more if they listen to recordings of some of the pieces before the concert, so they can better anticipate their favorite parts or listen for interesting or exciting passages, you do not need to do "homework" to enjoy our concerts.
How can I learn about the music before the concert?
Program notes that describe the composer and the pieces to be played are printed in the program that you receive from the ushers upon entering the performance space. Many audience members find it enhances their enjoyment of the music if they take the time to read the program notes in advance; you may wish to arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the performance to allow time to do so. We also post the planned repertoire on our website and include links to sites at which you can learn more about the pieces well in advance of the concert.
What should I wear?
Wear whatever makes you comfortable – the most important thing is for you to join us. You'll primarily see concert goers in sweaters, khakis, or slacks. Although most people wear "business casual" attire, we see jeans and shorts too. For the first concert of each season, we may even invite you to come in costume to get in free!
When should I arrive?
We suggest you arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the concert is scheduled to begin. That will give you ample time to find a seat, relax, read the program notes, and watch the musicians as they take the stage. Seats are not assigned at our concerts, so those patrons who arrive early enjoy the opportunity to select their preferred vantage point.
Concord Chamber Orchestra concerts begin promptly at the announced starting time. Audience members who arrive late will not be seated until after the conclusion of the first work on the program. Concert goers who must leave before or during the playing of a piece will not be reseated until after that piece is concluded. In consideration of the performers and fellow concert goers, we ask that you remain in your seat until the concert has ended -- except for during the intermission, of course.
When do I applaud?
Applause at performances is meant both as a greeting and to show appreciation for the artists. Just before the concert begins, after all the musicians are seated, the concertmaster (the first chair of the first violin section) takes the stage. Traditionally, patrons applaud to greet the concertmaster and again a few moments later (after the musicians tune their instruments) to greet the conductor and any soloists.
Once the performance begins, you'll notice in your program that many musical works have multiple movements or sections. A short pause often follows each movement. It is customary to refrain from applauding during these pauses. After the final movement of a work, applaud to your heart's content!
If you still aren't certain when to applaud, a good sign is when the conductor either turns around or steps off the podium. If all else fails, you can always wait for the rest of the audience to begin clapping.
If you do happen to clap between movements rather than at the end of a piece, no worries. Know that we are a forgiving bunch who do not stand on ceremony. We’re glad you enjoyed the piece and want to show your appreciation!
What about cell phones, pagers, or coughing?
We respectfully request that audience members turn off cell phones and pagers before entering the performance space. Another alternative is to set these devices on vibrate, so that if an important call is received, you can exit the area to resolve the concern. Noises such as a pager going off or a cell phone ringing are very distracting to the conductor, musicians, and your fellow audience members.
Coughing is an unavoidable problem; however, there are ways to help prevent coughing during the music. Feel free to bring lozenges with you, but please unwrap the lozenges before the music begins. Unwrapping a cough drop during the performance makes more noise than you think. If you need to cough more than few times, there's nothing wrong with excusing yourself from the performance space for a time. You may re-enter at the conclusion of the piece being performed.
May I take pictures?
Copyright law strictly prohibits the use of still, video and digital cameras and audio recording equipment at all times. You may see a professional recording engineer at our concerts because we are allowed to record a concert for our archives only.
How long is a typical performance?
Although concert length varies, most performances are about two hours, including one 15-minute intermission. A free informal reception is held after each of the October, March and May concerts; all concert-goers are invited to take this opportunity to enjoy food and beverages while mingling with the musicians, conductor, and any soloists or collaborating artists.
May I bring children?
Children six years of age and older are welcome at all performances with a purchased student ticket. We do not recommend children under six attend a CCO concert with the exception of our free summer concert performances. Children and full-time students (college age and younger) may purchase tickets at the posted reduced price for all performances.
How can I purchase tickets?
Concord Chamber Orchestra tickets may be purchased by phone at 414-750-4404 or via our website. They can also be purchased at the concert venue for the hour before each performance. Cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted for ticket sales at the concert venue.
My plans have changed. Can I get a refund on my tickets?
Tickets are not refundable once purchased. However, an unused ticket can be exchanged for a same-priced ticket to an upcoming concert for one year from the date of on the ticket. Contact us via e-mail at or call 414-750-4404 to make those arrangements.
Can I hire the orchestra, or some of the musicians, for my own event?
Yes, please do consider contracting with the Concord Chamber Orchestra to perform at your corporate or personal event. We can work with you to tailor a performance to suit your needs, from small ensembles to a full orchestra. Contact our General Manager to discuss personalizing a performance for your event!
Who can I contact with questions or concerns?
We're ready and able to help! Contact us via e-mail at or call 414-750-4404. While at a concert, feel free to seek out our General Manager Dana Robb, or one of our volunteers (they’ll be wearing nametags). Our musicians and Music Director can also point you to someone who can help.
We gratefully acknowledge the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra for allowing us to adapt portions of the information above from their website.
Although a music history teacher might define "classical music" as music written between 1750–1830, the term "classical music" has taken on a meaning much broader than that. The term "classical music" can be used to describe anything from a Bach Concerto composed in the late 17th century to a Brahms symphony composed in the mid 19th century; from an Adams tone poem written last week to a Stravinsky Symphony written in the early 20th century. Generally, classical music is defined by an ensemble composed of strings (violins, violas, cellos and basses), woodwinds (flutes, oboes, clarinets and bassoons), brass (trumpets, French horns, trombones, and tubas) and percussion (timpani, xylophone and harp), or some combination thereof.
Will I enjoy the concert?
We certainly believe you will! Classical music can be everything from exciting and invigorating to relaxing and serene. When you join us at one of our concerts, you'll embark on a musical journey that is new and beautiful at every turn. How will the music speak to you? Join us, listen, and find out!
What makes a Concord Chamber Orchestra concert unique?
We strive to make classical music accessible. What do we mean by that? We provide high quality performances by volunteer musicians who love what they do and who want to share the classical music “experience.” We perform in smaller, more intimate settings that encourage interaction among the audience members and musicians. We strive to keep our ticket prices affordable. And our repertoire is carefully selected, with the goal of offering selections the audience will recognize as well as introducing them to unfamiliar and engaging works
Will I recognize any of the music?
Odds are, you'll recognize more music than you might expect. Many of today's popular songs, television shows and movies include or are taken from classical themes, like the Lone Ranger theme (Rossini's "William Tell Overture"), United Airlines commercials (Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue"), and American Beef Council ads (Copland's "Hoe-down" from 'Rodeo').
Do I need to be familiar with the music before I attend a performance?
No. We hope that each Concord Chamber Orchestra concert will introduce you to stimulating music you've never heard before, while also possibly offering a great performance of a favorite or familiar piece you haven't heard in a while. Although some regular concert-goers do find they appreciate the performance more if they listen to recordings of some of the pieces before the concert, so they can better anticipate their favorite parts or listen for interesting or exciting passages, you do not need to do "homework" to enjoy our concerts.
How can I learn about the music before the concert?
Program notes that describe the composer and the pieces to be played are printed in the program that you receive from the ushers upon entering the performance space. Many audience members find it enhances their enjoyment of the music if they take the time to read the program notes in advance; you may wish to arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the performance to allow time to do so. We also post the planned repertoire on our website and include links to sites at which you can learn more about the pieces well in advance of the concert.
What should I wear?
Wear whatever makes you comfortable – the most important thing is for you to join us. You'll primarily see concert goers in sweaters, khakis, or slacks. Although most people wear "business casual" attire, we see jeans and shorts too. For the first concert of each season, we may even invite you to come in costume to get in free!
When should I arrive?
We suggest you arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the concert is scheduled to begin. That will give you ample time to find a seat, relax, read the program notes, and watch the musicians as they take the stage. Seats are not assigned at our concerts, so those patrons who arrive early enjoy the opportunity to select their preferred vantage point.
Concord Chamber Orchestra concerts begin promptly at the announced starting time. Audience members who arrive late will not be seated until after the conclusion of the first work on the program. Concert goers who must leave before or during the playing of a piece will not be reseated until after that piece is concluded. In consideration of the performers and fellow concert goers, we ask that you remain in your seat until the concert has ended -- except for during the intermission, of course.
When do I applaud?
Applause at performances is meant both as a greeting and to show appreciation for the artists. Just before the concert begins, after all the musicians are seated, the concertmaster (the first chair of the first violin section) takes the stage. Traditionally, patrons applaud to greet the concertmaster and again a few moments later (after the musicians tune their instruments) to greet the conductor and any soloists.
Once the performance begins, you'll notice in your program that many musical works have multiple movements or sections. A short pause often follows each movement. It is customary to refrain from applauding during these pauses. After the final movement of a work, applaud to your heart's content!
If you still aren't certain when to applaud, a good sign is when the conductor either turns around or steps off the podium. If all else fails, you can always wait for the rest of the audience to begin clapping.
If you do happen to clap between movements rather than at the end of a piece, no worries. Know that we are a forgiving bunch who do not stand on ceremony. We’re glad you enjoyed the piece and want to show your appreciation!
What about cell phones, pagers, or coughing?
We respectfully request that audience members turn off cell phones and pagers before entering the performance space. Another alternative is to set these devices on vibrate, so that if an important call is received, you can exit the area to resolve the concern. Noises such as a pager going off or a cell phone ringing are very distracting to the conductor, musicians, and your fellow audience members.
Coughing is an unavoidable problem; however, there are ways to help prevent coughing during the music. Feel free to bring lozenges with you, but please unwrap the lozenges before the music begins. Unwrapping a cough drop during the performance makes more noise than you think. If you need to cough more than few times, there's nothing wrong with excusing yourself from the performance space for a time. You may re-enter at the conclusion of the piece being performed.
May I take pictures?
Copyright law strictly prohibits the use of still, video and digital cameras and audio recording equipment at all times. You may see a professional recording engineer at our concerts because we are allowed to record a concert for our archives only.
How long is a typical performance?
Although concert length varies, most performances are about two hours, including one 15-minute intermission. A free informal reception is held after each of the October, March and May concerts; all concert-goers are invited to take this opportunity to enjoy food and beverages while mingling with the musicians, conductor, and any soloists or collaborating artists.
May I bring children?
Children six years of age and older are welcome at all performances with a purchased student ticket. We do not recommend children under six attend a CCO concert with the exception of our free summer concert performances. Children and full-time students (college age and younger) may purchase tickets at the posted reduced price for all performances.
How can I purchase tickets?
Concord Chamber Orchestra tickets may be purchased by phone at 414-750-4404 or via our website. They can also be purchased at the concert venue for the hour before each performance. Cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted for ticket sales at the concert venue.
My plans have changed. Can I get a refund on my tickets?
Tickets are not refundable once purchased. However, an unused ticket can be exchanged for a same-priced ticket to an upcoming concert for one year from the date of on the ticket. Contact us via e-mail at or call 414-750-4404 to make those arrangements.
Can I hire the orchestra, or some of the musicians, for my own event?
Yes, please do consider contracting with the Concord Chamber Orchestra to perform at your corporate or personal event. We can work with you to tailor a performance to suit your needs, from small ensembles to a full orchestra. Contact our General Manager to discuss personalizing a performance for your event!
Who can I contact with questions or concerns?
We're ready and able to help! Contact us via e-mail at or call 414-750-4404. While at a concert, feel free to seek out our General Manager Dana Robb, or one of our volunteers (they’ll be wearing nametags). Our musicians and Music Director can also point you to someone who can help.
We gratefully acknowledge the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra for allowing us to adapt portions of the information above from their website.