Planning Your First Concert Experience

Whether you are a regular concert goer or planning to attend your first concert, the frequently asked questions below will help you enjoy your evening. Going to a concert is a great experience, why not make a night of it! If you are attending alone, or with a group of friends, sharing the live event is always exciting and fun.

1. How do I buy concert tickets?
2. What do I wear?
3. Can I wear scented products?
4. I'm late. What do I do?
5. When do I clap?
6. I need to cough. What do I do?
7. Can I take photographs?
8. What about cell phones?
9. What about talking?
10. Is there wheelchair access?

1. How do I buy concert tickets?

Tickets can be purchased as part of a Subscription Series or Package up to September 17th. details are contained in the NSO's Concert Brochure, or call the NSO office 709-722-4441.

All information regarding the purchase of single tickets can be found in the NSO's Concert Brochure. Here is an outline of how to purchase single tickets. All concerts have adult and student/senior rates.

For concerts at the Arts and Culture Centre call 709-729-3900 or visit the Box Office noon-6pm and on performance days, from noon until 30 minutes after curtain time.
Tickets for the Big Ticket Gala are available from the NSO office and online (Gala only).

For concerts at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist call 709-722-4441. Tickets are not available at the door. Tickets are also available online.

For concerts at the Cook Recital Hall call the NSO office 709-722-4441. Tickets are available at the door and online.

2. What do I wear?

There is no dress code. Wear something comfortable. Most people wear business clothes or slightly dressy casusal but you'll also see jeans and, for the Gala, cocktail dresses. There are coat checks at the Arts and Culture Centre and the Cook Recitial Hall.

3. Can I wear scented products?

No. Please be considerate of other patrons and performers who have allergies and chemical sensitivities and refrain from wearing colognes, perfumes, aftershaves and other scented products.

4. I'm late. What do I do?

If you have missed the beginning of the concert the ushers will tell you when you can enter the hall at an appropriate moment that will not disturb the concert. The ushers will help you quickly find your seat.

5. When do I clap?

Applause is welcomed at the end of a piece of music. If the music has sections of movements then usually the audience does not clap between movements. Holding applause between movements is considered to be respectful of the performers' concentration and mindful of musical continuity. The conductor indicates the end of the piece by putting his arms down and turning to face the audience. You may then clap to your heart's content.

6. I need to cough. What do I do?

Everyone feels the need to cough now and then. If you have a cold, have a few unwrapped lozenges ready to go. Try to bury your cough in a loud passage of the music and if this is not possible then it's perfectly acceptable and appropriate to quietly leave the concert hall. The ushers will tell you when you are able to re-enter the concert.

7. Can I take photographs?

No. Cameras and recording devices are not permitted at NSO concerts.

8. What about cell phones?

Take a break from the outside world. Please turn off your cell phones, pagers, and watch alarms before the concert begins.

9. What about talking?

Please be considerate to other concert goers and the performers on stage. Unlike television, the performers can hear noises in the audience just as well as you can hear them. It is distracting to the performers and also to other concert goers.

10. Is there wheelchair access?

Yes. All NSO concerts have wheelchair access and seating. Please mention your needs when purchasing your ticket.