What is chamber music?
Chamber music is defined as music for small ensembles, whose members generally perform one to a part without a conductor. At the heart of chamber music lies the spirit of collaboration and the role of the individual performer. Chamber music places the highest order of responsibility upon the individual to engage in a close musical dialogue with the other performers in the ensemble without the aid of a conductor.
When should I arrive?
We recommend you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the performance. This will allow you time to find parking and to find your seat in the hall. Once the concert has started, patrons will not be seated in the hall until the conclusion of the first work on the program. Please refer to our Late Seating Policy below for more details.
What do I wear?
At our performances you see a wide variety of clothing, from suits and formal wear to khakis, slacks and skirts. Generally, business casual is a good way to go!
How long are the performances?
Generally, most performances run about two hours, including a 20-minute intermission.
What can I get out of a Ritz Chamber Players concert?
Some in our audience come just for the music, to appreciate the composer’s skill and admire the performers’ artistry. Some come to learn and to enrich their lives. Other members of our audience simply come to be entertained. Still others value the concert for its social dimensions, a chance to gather with friends and family and enjoy an activity together. There are so many reasons to invest your time in classical music. The Ritz Chamber Players is accessible, convenient, communicative and beginner-friendly. Whether you get an invitation or come on your own, just sit back, relax and let yourself go where the music takes you.
Are cameras and recorders allowed? What are the "rules"?
Cameras and tape recorders are not allowed in Terry Theater. Pagers and cellular phones must be turned off before entering the concert hall. Food and drinks may be enjoyed in the lobby but are not permitted in the concert hall. Smoking is not permitted in the building.
What if I arrive late?
Patrons who arrive late will be seated at the first convenient pause in the program. No late seating is guaranteed for programs without intermission. Patrons who leave the hall before or during a work will not be reseated until after the completion of the work. In fairness to the performers and fellow concertgoers, we ask that you remain in your seat until the concert has concluded.
Concert Etiquette 101
Consider the volume. Terry Theater Concert Hall is close quarters with excellent acoustics. What may be a whisper at Metro Center during rush hour is a full-throated conversation in the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. We appreciate your consideration of others.
Plan ahead. If you know you’ll need a treat to get you through the third movement of the Fauré Piano Quartet, unwrap your candies beforehand.
Be punctual. Latecomers can ruin the experience for those who have already settled into their seats.
Know when to clap. The question of when to clap at a concert seems to be a matter of concern for many people who are new to classical music. The truth is, applause is always appreciated. In earlier days, audiences applauded at the end of any portion of a piece that moved them. Today, the applause is usually saved for the end of a completed piece; you will probably notice subcategories or movements listed beneath the title (which are often indicated with tempo markings). It is considered respectful of the performers’ concentration to hold applause until then.
Of course, a sure-fire way to figure out the appropriate time to applaud is to wait for the rest of the audience to begin, and then join in! The important thing is to relax and enjoy the performance.
