Any symphony buffs in the house?

[memo]

I was watching a local Chicago program and they had a story on Riccardo Muti being appointed as the new music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Apparently this was a very big deal (according to the person they interviewed), so I went to the CSO website to see what the hubbub was about. I don't see him conducting any symphonies in the near future, is this normal? Is a music director only hired to select music (excuse my ignorance)? What should I (if I were an astute symphony goer) be excited about with his hiring?


Also, I perused some of the "first time symphony?" pages on the website which talked about when to clap and when not to and other things. Is there a good online source of what I should be on the look out for or what the expect as a novice?

 

[elektrolokomotive]

Don't go to the symphony in jeans and a t-shirt. Seriously, wear a tie and jacket. It's one of the last bastions of human civility. Don't screw it up for everyone else.

EDIT: If you're trying to go to the CSO, try for a student ticket (if you're a student), or see if there any "turnback" tickets from season subscribers who couldn't attend the performance.

 

[EvilYoda]

A musical director has had a wide variety of roles in the past, ranging from actually playing in the orchestra, conducting to artistic direction. These days, the big names tend to be involved with the direction of the orchestra in terms of musical selection along with being a PR guy of sorts as his publicity puts people in the seats. Another big MD in the last few years was Placido Domingo for the LA Opera, for instance.

You guys in Chicago have it good...great history with the orchestra, all the outdoor music in Grant/Millennium Park and the festivals.

As for when to clap...when in doubt, clap when others clap. You'll generally clap after each piece (NOT MOVEMENT, IDIOT) and if it's a concerto or a special cadenza, clap after the soloist finishes.

 

[johnjohn320]

I'm not sure where you're seeing this-the announcement lists several of the works he'll be conducting at the commencement of his tenure...?

As for concert etiquette, don't worry too much about it. I disagree with the poster above who states you must wear a coat and tie-dress however you like as far as I'm concerned. I'm a professional classical musician, and hell, I don't wear a coat and tie to half of my own performances. We're just happy to have you there, and hope that you enjoy it! Common sense applies, of course: be quiet, turn off your cell phone, bring cough drops if you need em, etc. No one's gonna chop your head off if you sneeze or something, but only persistently noisy audience members get to be annoying.

And hey, whenever you may have questions about something, whether it's a piece you want to enjoy more, or etiquette you want to understsand, or traditions/trends you want to familiarize yourself with-ask! Classical music went through a dark period of elitism and snobbery, but thankfully, I think the path to recovery is well underway. Most of us aren't stuffy, condascending sophisticates who will turn their noses up in the air at your attire, questions, or whatever. 🙂

Hope you enjoy it!

 

[wwswimming]

i suggest bringing a condom and maybe a packet of VCF's. music puts some people in the mood.

 

[magreen]

That advice above about clapping after each movement was exactly wrong. You do NOT clap after each movement of a piece, you remain silent. You clap when the entire piece is over. If you're not familiar with movements, you could think of them as chapters in a story.

Rule of thumb: wait till the audience claps loudly, then clap.

 

[Nitemare]

When do you whistle and stomp your feet?

 

[bobeedee]

BRAVO! BRAVO!

 

[EvilYoda]

Originally posted by: magreen
That advice above about clapping after each movement was exactly wrong. You do NOT clap after each movement of a piece, you remain silent. You clap when the entire piece is over. If you're not familiar with movements, you could think of them as chapters in a story.

Rule of thumb: wait till the audience claps loudly, then clap.

He's completely right, I was on crack (and in a rush) when I wrote that.

Don't listen to EvilYoda, he's a fucking idiot.

 

[Madwand1]

Originally posted by: memo
I was watching a local Chicago program and they had a story on Riccardo Muti being appointed as the new music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Apparently this was a very big deal (according to the person they interviewed), so I went to the CSO website to see what the hubbub was about. I don't see him conducting any symphonies in the near future, is this normal? Is a music director only hired to select music (excuse my ignorance)?

His full tenure begins in the 2010/2011 season, which explains why you don't see him conducting in the near future.

Maestro Muti will begin a five-year contract as music director in September of the 2010/11 season. He will conduct a minimum of 10 weeks of CSO subscription concerts each season, in addition to domestic and international tours.

http://www.cso.org/main.taf?p=7,1,2,5,75

As music director designate, beginning January 2009, Maestro Muti is expected to oversee auditions and planning for future seasons. Additionally, he will lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in the Verdi Requiem at Symphony Center on January 15, 16 and 17, 2009. Maestro Muti will conduct two subscription weeks in the 2009?2010 season. Details of those concerts will be announced at a later date.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

In general, making the effort to experience and hopefully enjoy classical music is always worthwhile. However, I don't subscribe to the come as you are viewpoint. A shirt and a tie is a small gesture of respect for tradition and the other patron's enjoyment of the event. I know that when I serve a great meal, it pisses me off no end if the guests are wearing boogie shorts and t-shirts. I don't give a fuck how hot it is outside! I shouldn't be better dressed in a chef's coat and toque than my guests.

 

[Madwand1]

The OP's already read the CSO web page which outlines their conventions:

What should I wear?

Attending a concert at Symphony Center is always a special occasion; therefore, most patrons enjoy dressing up a bit. Today's standards for business formal dress or business casual dress are both acceptable for concerts at Orchestra Hall. Jeans, shorts, and t-shirts are discouraged. After all, the musicians will be wearing their finest (tuxedos or suits on the men and gowns on the women).

Obviously, major orchestral venues are likely to be conservative in dress. Smaller venues, for chamber music for example, are sometimes less formal in dress, though not necessarily less accomplished in music.