Q. I’ve never been to an orchestra concert before. What should I wear?

A. There is no required dress code for our concerts. You’ll see audience members dressed in everything from cocktail attire and business casual to jeans. We encourage you to wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and allows you to relax and enjoy the performance.

Q. When should I applaud?

A. As a general rule, applause is appropriate at the conclusion of a complete musical work. Many orchestral works, however, consist of several movements that are performed without interruption. In these cases, it is customary to wait until the end of the entire work before applauding.

If you are unsure when to applaud, simply wait for the conductor to lower their hands or for other audience members to begin clapping. And don’t worry—new concertgoers are always welcome!

Q. May I take photos or videos?

A. Photography and video recording are welcome before the concert, during intermission, and after the performance.

During the concert, however, photography, video recording, and the use of phone screens are prohibited. Flash photography and illuminated screens can be distracting to both the musicians and fellow audience members and can interfere with the performance.

Please silence your phone and put it away once the performance begins.

Q. How long is the concert?

A. Most of our concerts are approximately 90 minutes in length, including intermission. The exact running time may vary depending on the program.

Q. May I bring children to the concert?

A. Absolutely! Children are welcome at our concerts.

Introducing young people to live orchestral music can be a wonderful and memorable experience. Children age 5 and under may attend free of charge with the purchase of an adult ticket.

We encourage families to choose programs and seating that will make the experience enjoyable for everyone.

Q. Why does the orchestra wear black?

A. The tradition of wearing black for orchestral performances has both historical and practical roots.

Historically, classical concerts and opera performances were formal evening events, and musicians often wore formal attire such as white tie and tails. Over time, black became the standard concert attire for many orchestras.

There is also a practical reason: uniform, understated clothing helps keep the visual focus on the music and the conductor rather than on individual musicians. It creates a cohesive appearance and minimizes visual distractions on stage.

Q. When should I arrive?

A. We recommend arriving approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled concert time. This allows plenty of time to park, collect or check your tickets, find your seats, and settle in before the performance begins.

For the comfort of the musicians and audience, patrons who arrive after the concert has begun may need to wait until an appropriate break in the program before being seated. In most cases, the first opportunity for late seating is after the first piece.

Q. What should I do if I arrive late?

A. Late seating is handled at appropriate breaks in the program to minimize disruption to the musicians and other audience members.

If you arrive after the performance has begun, please check with an usher, who will direct you to the appropriate seating area or let you know when it is possible to enter the auditorium.

Audience members who leave the auditorium during the performance will likewise be re-seated at an appropriate break.

Q. Are food and drinks allowed in the auditorium?

A. No. The Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center does not permit food or beverages in the auditorium.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a comfortable and respectful environment for both our musicians and audience members.

Q. Where can I park?

A. Parking is easy and convenient at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center. The facility has a 500-space parking lot, providing ample parking for our concert attendees.

We encourage you to allow a few extra minutes for parking and making your way into the venue before the concert begins.