1. What is classical music?

The term "classical music" can mean anything from a Bach Concerto to a Brahms Rhapsody, anything from an Adams tone poem to a Schubert Symphony. Generally, classical music is played by a symphonic ensemble comprised of strings (violins, violas, cellos and basses), woodwinds (clarinets, oboes, flutes and bassoons), brass (trumpets, French horns, trombones and tubas) and percussion (drums, xylophones and bells), or some combination thereof.

2. Will I enjoy the concert?

Absolutely! Classical music is exciting, surprising, and quite often funny. When you join us in the concert hall, you'll learn why Haydn called it the "Surprise" Symphony, you'll hang on every note of the third movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, you'll giggle at Ives' Three Places in New England, and you'll be in awe of Strauss' Also Sprach Zarathustra.

3. Will I recognize any music?

Odds are, you'll recognize far more than you realize. 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), the Bugs Bunny cartoon "What's Opera, Doc?" (Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries), United Airlines commercials (Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue), and many more.

4. What exactly are seasons and series?

By Master Season, we mean the months from September to May, when our regular subscription concerts take place. Therefore, the 2001-2002 season runs from September 2001 to May 2002, with concerts taking place almost every week in Atlanta Symphony Hall. A series is a set of pre-selected concerts that you can purchase as a package. For instance, our A1 series features six concerts in Symphony Hall throughout the season that all start at 8pm unless otherwise indicated. If you purchase a series, you become a subscriber (you have purchased a subscription). Subscribers enjoy many benefits, including sitting in the same seats for every concert in their series and ticket exchange privileges, as well as discounts for other Woodruff Arts Center events.

5. What's the difference between a concert and a recital?

At a concert, the entire Symphony will perform, led by a conductor. At a recital, only a soloist -- sometimes with a piano accompanist -- performs. Recitals are very intimate, whereas concerts are intended for larger audiences.

6. Can I exchange my tickets?

ABSOLUTELY! Once you receive your tickets in August, your tickets can be exchanged for any other Masterworks or SuperPOPS concert up until the day before a performance. No exchanges into Premium concerts. You will need to pay the difference if exchanging for more expensive tickets. Exchanges are always subject to availability.

7. Suppose I lose my tickets?

NO PROBLEM - We can have a new set waiting at the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office.

8. Who can I contact with questions or concerns?

The ASO's crack subscriber services team is ready and waiting to answer any of your questions! There are three simple ways to reach us. Send us an e-mail at [email protected], OR Fill out the "Questions" form on our website OR Call us directly at 404-733-4800. Please note that all programs and artists are subject to change. But there are 3 easy ways to stay ahead of the curve. The ASO's Website always has the latest information. Visit us online at www.atlantasymphony.org for continual updates. You can also sign up for E-NOTES' our weekly e-mail full of in-depth information; OR become a subscriber by phone, fax or web, and receive free copies of NOTES, the Orchestra's official newsletter.

9. What time do concerts begin?

Concerts normally start at 8 pm in Atlanta Symphony Hall. However, times may vary for special performances so please check your tickets.

10. How long are concerts?

Masterworks, POPS & Holiday concerts are usually around two hours and fifteen minutes including intermission. New Mornings and Casual Classics are one hour and fifteen minutes with no intermission. Kids' Concerts are one hour or less with no intermission.

11. What should I wear to an Atlanta Symphony concert?

Wear whatever makes you comfortable. Contrary to what many people think, formal attire -- like tuxedos and evening gowns -- is not required at Symphony concerts. In fact, most people only wear formal clothing to our Opening Gala. At our other concerts, you'll see concertgoers in suits, vests, sweaters, skirts, khakis, slacks, everything!

12. When should I clap?

Generally, it is considered proper concert etiquette to clap only after a piece is complete. This means that, for example, if you're listening to Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, which has four movements, it is appropriate to clap after the last movement. You can look at your program book to find out how many movements a particular piece has. Usually, there is a 15- to 30-second pause in between movements. So, in the case of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, you know you're hearing the Finale after three pauses. If all else fails, you can always wait for the rest of the audience to clap before applauding. Another good sign is when the conductor either turns around or steps off the podium (the elevated "box" he or she stands on).

13. What about other noises -- coughing, cell phones, pagers?

It is always best to turn off cell phones and pagers before entering the concert hall. Noises such as a pager going off or a cell phone ringing are very distracting to the conductor, the musicians and your fellow audience members, and are considered to be quite rude. Another alternative is to set the device on vibrate, so that if an important call is received, one can retreat to the exterior of the hall to take care of the issue. Coughing is an unavoidable problem. But, there are ways to avoid coughing during the music. If you feel a cold coming on, please bring lozenges with you. Or, grab some free from our dispensers placed throughout the Hall. Any usher can direct you to them. The next step is crucial: unwrap them ahead of time. Unwrapping a cough drop during the music makes more noise than you might think. If there are no lozenges in hand and you need to cough once or twice, please try to wait for the end of the movement. If that's not possible you can try to bury your cough in a louder section of music, rather than coughing in the midst of the most delicate pianissimo. And, either way, a handkerchief or scarf will further help to muffle the disruption. If you need to cough more than a couple of times, there's nothing wrong with getting up and excusing yourself from the Hall for the rest of the movement. Following these guidelines helps you be sensitive to your neighbors, and allows everyone to have a more pleasant concert experience.

14. Can I bring the kids?

Children under seven are not encouraged to attend our regular subscription concerts -- the programs tend to be too long for children. However, while our subscription concerts are perfect for adults, kids and their families will enjoy our Family Concert series, Holiday programs and Chastain concerts.

15. How can I learn more about the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra?

The Orchestra offers a variety of lectures, pre-concert discussions & Meet The Artist forums. Composers, artists & works are fully explored in the concert program, Stagebill; visit the ASO web site, www.atlantasymphony.org, for biographical sketches & program notes plus useful facts about the Orchestra. Click on the E-Notes mailbox icon above to sign up for E-Notes, our free online newsletter with information customized by you to match your tastes.

16. Are there provisions for people with disabilities?

YES. All Atlanta Symphony Orchestra programs are accessible to people with disabilities. Persons requiring assistance are requested to call the Box Office at 404-733-5000 (TDD#: 404-733-4303) for advance arrangements. Parking is available in the Box Office lane near Peachtree & 15th Streets for cars & vans & for cars only in the main parking decks. Restrooms with wheelchair-access are on the Arts Center ground floor. (Other restrooms are located on the second floor, adjacent to the elevators at the North and South entrances.) Elevators are wheelchair accessible and controls are designated in Braille in addition to standard visual markings.

17. Are audio aids available?

YES. The Phonic Ear® Easy Listener FM Listening System, a wireless, portable sound enhancement system for the hearing-impaired, is available from the ASO House Manager at the Atlanta Symphony Hall entrance.

18. How do I get to Symphony Hall?

IT'S EASY. Atlanta Symphony Hall is located in the Woodruff Arts Center at the corner of Peachtree and 15th Streets. The Arts Center is easily accessible from the entire metro area on the Downtown Connector, and by MARTA to the Arts Center station. Call the directions hotline at 404-744-4955 for more. We hope we've cleared up your misconceptions about going to the Symphony. Still have questions? Click Here!