What is a Chamber Orchestra?

A Chamber Orchestra simply is a small orchestra of up to 50 musicians – compared to larger size symphony orchestras. Some works frequently performed by symphony orchestras, e.g. Mozart’s symphonies, are suitable for a chamber orchestra, but there are also many compositions specifically written for a chamber orchestra.

How Should I Dress for a Concert?

We want you to feel comfortable, so we don’t have a dress code. Some people might dress up a little – it becomes part of the joy of preparing for a nice evening of music. But this is completely voluntary and a personal choice. The musicians and conductor will have a more formal dress code to achieve a unified look for the orchestra.

What Does a Conductor Do?

The conductor sets the tempo, shapes the sounds and controls the interpretation of a composition. For instance, if the conductor wants to emphasize a certain melodic phrase, s/he will communicate this to the musicians via gestures. Much of the work of a conductor happens before the performance: while studying the musical score on her or his own, and during rehearsals.

What Does a Concertmaster Do?

The concert master plays the first violin and serves as the chief intermediary between the musicians and the conductor. In practical terms, the concert master initiates the tuning of the orchestra before a performance starts, assures synchronized bowings of all violinists (so that a unified look and sound are achieved), and helps the conductor communicate his or her interpretation to the musicians.

Is It Okay to Clap Between Movements?

Yes! We appreciate your enthusiasm. You might find that some people wait with applause till the last movement has finished (if a composition is divided in multiple parts) – and this is OK, too, because it acknowledges the unity of the work.

What Makes a Piece a Symphony?

A symphony is a large-scale orchestral work that is typically divided into 4 movements. The 18th century composer Haydn is often referred to as the ‘father of the symphony’. In many cases, the first and last movements of a symphony are fast and dramatic, the 2nd movement is more lyrical and the 3rd movement dancelike. However, deviations from these traditional rules are frequent and part of the ‘creative license’ that composers claim for themselves.

What is a Concerto?

A concerto highlights one or, more rarely, multiple soloists. There are concertos for almost any musical instrument, but the most frequent concertos are for the piano or the violin. The soloist will be positioned in front of the orchestra and the music will often highlight the virtuosic skills of the soloist. Most concertos are in three movements with a lyrical second movement and a fiery 3rd movement.