Live Concert FAQs
What should I wear to the concert?
There is no dress code for a Hamilton Phil performance and we encourage audiences to dress however they feel comfortable! Many people wear business casual or slightly dressy clothes, but you’ll see everything from jeans to cocktail attire and all styles are welcome. We also LOVE a theme so if there are specifics or suggestions for the dress code for a concert, we will make sure you know about it ahead of time!
How long is the concert?
While performance length varies, most concerts run about two hours with one intermission.
Do you have any nearby restaurant recommendations?
Some of our favourite nearby spots for a bite before or after the concert are Undefined, Rapscallion, Electric Diner and The Mule. Looking to grab a quick drink? Try Brain Bar or Farside!
When should I arrive?
If you’re picking up tickets, please arrive at least half an hour before the performance begins. Your Hamilton Phil is proud to host a variety of pre-concert activities like our Inside the Music Pre-Concert Talk with Hamilton Phil Composer-in-Residence Abigail Richardson-Schulte and our beloved “surprise and delight” performances. Doors open an hour and a half before the performance begins and to make sure you can catch the pre-concert talk, we recommend coming about an hour early. Being early also means you have time to grab a drink, a snack, and chat with one of our Hamilton Phil staff and volunteers. We are always happy to see you!
What if I arrive late?
We want to make sure you hear all of the beautiful music your Hamilton Phil has to offer. To minimize distractions, latecomers and those who exit the auditorium during a concert will be admitted when there is a break in the programming.
Can I wear fragrances to a concert?
No, please keep our concert hall a fragrance-free space.
When should I applaud?
At an orchestral concert, applause is a wonderful way to welcome our musicians and show your appreciation for the performance.
We invite you to applaud when the Concertmaster (the violinist seated in the first chair of the orchestra) comes onstage, and again when the Conductor enters. Any soloists performing that evening will usually enter with the Conductor and may also be acknowledged with applause.
Once the music begins, applause is welcomed at the end of each complete piece of music. Some longer works are made up of several movements, which are listed in the program. A brief pause may occur between movements, but the piece is not yet complete. Applause is generally reserved until the final movement has ended.
If you’re ever unsure whether a piece has finished, follow the lead of the audience around you or wait for the Conductor to turn toward the audience and bow.
Can I eat in the concert hall?
Food items may not be consumed during performances. Please consume snacks purchased at concessions outside of the concert hall.
Can I take photos with my cellphone or camera?
Photography is welcome during our concerts, provided it is done discreetly and without flash. Please be mindful of the performers and your fellow audience members by keeping devices quiet, avoiding obstructing views, and limiting photography so it does not distract from the concert experience.
Can I use my phone during the concert?
We ask that you turn off or silence all mobile phones and other electronic devices during the performance. We offer a dark mode digital program that is permissible to be viewed on your device during the concert, but we ask audiences to avoid other texting, scrolling or filming out of respect for the performers and fellow audience members.
May I bring my young children to a concert?
Sharing the joy of orchestral music at a young age is a great way to foster an appreciation and interest in the arts. We offer special Youth ticket pricing for audience members 17 and younger for all performances at FirstOntario Concert Hall.