Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome! We look forward to seeing you at a concert soon! Don’t see the answer to your question? Contact us.
How can I learn more about the program before I go?
Visit the concert page to find program notes, artist information, and videos. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify for an insider peek at rehearsals, and for interesting tidbits, and curated playlists. Immerse yourself in the music before you even arrive! Pre-concert events begin one hour prior to most performances and last 30 minutes. Information about pre-concert events can be found on the concert page. If the concert page does not answer your question, contact us.
What is “early music”?
Early music is a concept and process of performing music from the past more than it is a specific repertoire. Our musicians perform in styles that might have been familiar to audiences of the composer’s day. To accomplish this they research performance techniques, instrument construction, and related art forms such as literature, the plastic arts, and dance, developing the sensibilities needed to transport themselves and their audiences to other places and times. While the early music process has been applied primarily to early European music, there is ever-increasing interest in bringing the values of historical performance to the world’s musical traditions.
What is a baroque orchestra?
A baroque orchestra is a musical group originating in the baroque era (1600–1750). The distinction between a baroque orchestra and a symphony orchestra mostly pertains to the instruments played and the number of players. Baroque music is played on earlier versions of modern instruments. For example, a baroque violin uses strings made of a different material and a different bow than a modern violin. In the time when Baroque music was written, it was customary to use a small orchestra, usually ranging from 1–4 string instruments per section, a few woodwinds, and few or no brass. This differs from the 10–12 string instruments per section, and large wind, brass, and percussion sections in a symphony orchestra. The resulting sound is lighter and truer to what the music sounded like when it was written.
What should I wear?
Our top priority is your enjoyment, so wear whatever makes you most comfortable. Enjoying a rare night out away from the kids? Dress up a little! Coming straight from work after a hectic day? Come as you are.
Where do I park?
Visit a specific concert page to view the best parking options for the venue.
When should I arrive?
If there is a pre-concert event, doors will open 90 minutes prior to the performance. If there is no pre-concert event, doors will open 1 hour prior to the performance. You may join the pre-concert event at any time. In general, we recommend arriving 20–30 minutes before a performance.
What if I arrive late?
You will be seated at appropriate times during pauses in the music.
May I bring my children?
We welcome children ages 6 and older to attend concerts with a purchased ticket. Teens ages 13–19 can become a member of TeenTix and purchase $5 rush tickets at the door.
When do I applaud?
Many musical works have multiple movements or sections (Allegro, Largo, etc). A short pause follows each movement, but it is not customary to applaud at these times. After the final movement, the conductor will turn around and/or the performers will acknowledge the audience and bow, which is an appropriate time to applaud.
How long is a concert?
Our concerts vary in length but usually do not last more than two hours with one 15-minute intermission. Some concerts are closer to 75 minutes in length and have no intermission. Please refer to a specific concert page for this information.
May I use my phone?
Out of respect for the performers and fellow concert-goers, we ask that you turn off or silence your phone during the performance. You may not photograph or record any portion of the concerts. However, we encourage you to take pictures before, during intermission, or after the concert and engage with Early Music Seattle by sharing your experience on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.