Is this the first time you've attended a concert of the Orchestre de Paris? You wish to know more about the concert proceedings and the orchestra? Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions...
FAQ
Is this the first time you've attended a concert of the Orchestre de Paris?
You wish to know more about the concert proceedings and the orchestra?
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions...
You wish to know more about the concert proceedings and the orchestra?
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions...
Practical information
IS THERE ANY DOCUMENTATION TO CONSULT BEFORE GOING TO THE CONCERT?
No specific musical knowledge is required to enjoy a concert... If you wish to familiarize yourself with the programme before coming to the concert, we advise you to consult this website: on the page of each concert, you will have access to audio excerpts as well as interviews or video rehearsal excerpts. A complete printed programme is distributed to you free of charge on the evening of the concert. This programme is also sent by email to our clients 24 hours before the concert starts (these are the programme E-notes).
HOW SHOULD I DRESS FOR THE CONCERT?
You can come dressed as you wish...
WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?
We advise you to arrive 30 minutes before the start of the concert. This will give you time to collect your ticket from the "paid tickets" desk if you have not received it by post, to leave your coat at the cloakroom (free service), to appreciate the architecture of the hall and to read the concert programme (distributed free of charge).
WHAT IF I'M LATE? In order to guarantee a good listening quality and not to disturb the artists and the audience, you will be given access the hall during the interval (if scheduled).
IS THERE A CLOAKROOM ?
Yes, the cloakroom is free. The deposit of bulky items is obligatory.
IS THERE ALWAYS AN INTERVAL AND HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Very often, an interval of 20 minutes is scheduled. However, some concerts have a programme with a single work: in this case, there is no interval.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO TAKE PHOTOS OR MAKE VIDEO RECORDINGS DURING THE CONCERT?
For reasons of intellectual property rights and in order not to disturb the artists and the audience, the taking of photographs and the making of video recordings is strictly prohibited during concerts.
No specific musical knowledge is required to enjoy a concert... If you wish to familiarize yourself with the programme before coming to the concert, we advise you to consult this website: on the page of each concert, you will have access to audio excerpts as well as interviews or video rehearsal excerpts. A complete printed programme is distributed to you free of charge on the evening of the concert. This programme is also sent by email to our clients 24 hours before the concert starts (these are the programme E-notes).
HOW SHOULD I DRESS FOR THE CONCERT?
You can come dressed as you wish...
WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?
We advise you to arrive 30 minutes before the start of the concert. This will give you time to collect your ticket from the "paid tickets" desk if you have not received it by post, to leave your coat at the cloakroom (free service), to appreciate the architecture of the hall and to read the concert programme (distributed free of charge).
WHAT IF I'M LATE? In order to guarantee a good listening quality and not to disturb the artists and the audience, you will be given access the hall during the interval (if scheduled).
IS THERE A CLOAKROOM ?
Yes, the cloakroom is free. The deposit of bulky items is obligatory.
IS THERE ALWAYS AN INTERVAL AND HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Very often, an interval of 20 minutes is scheduled. However, some concerts have a programme with a single work: in this case, there is no interval.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO TAKE PHOTOS OR MAKE VIDEO RECORDINGS DURING THE CONCERT?
For reasons of intellectual property rights and in order not to disturb the artists and the audience, the taking of photographs and the making of video recordings is strictly prohibited during concerts.
AT WHAT POINT SHOULD WE APPLAUD?
During a concert, the audience traditionally applauds at two key moments: when the musicians come on stage, as a sign of greeting, and at the end of each work, as a sign of appreciation. Even though most of the pieces played consist of several movements between which the musicians take a short break, it is customary for the Orchestre de Paris to applaud only at the very end of the piece so as not to disturb its unity. The attitude of the musicians and the conductor allows you to discern the right moment to applaud. If you have any doubts, wait for the rest of the audience to begin and join in...
WHAT HAPPENS IF I CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE CONCERT I BOOKED?
Tickets can exceptionally be exchanged, by post only, within the limit of available seats. The public relations department must receive the ticket no later than 48 hours before the date shown on it, at the following address: Service des Relations avec le public, Orchestre de Paris, 191 boulevard Sérurier, 75019 Paris. Exchange is accepted for a ticket at the same or higher tariff (with payment of the difference by the customer). Exchange fee: 2€ / ticket, except for subscribers, for whom the exchange is free.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO TAKE CHILDREN TO CONCERTS?
The minimum age to attend concerts is 3 years old. Each spectator must be able to remain seated silently throughout the concert... As part of our projects aimed at young audiences, we offer concerts specially designed for a family audience that will allow you to discover the symphonic repertoire in a fun and original way. These concerts generally take place on Wednesdays, Saturdays or Sundays.
WHERE CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT THE ORCHESTRE DE PARIS’ NEWS AND UPCOMING CONCERTS?
All news concerning the Orchestre de Paris is available on this website. You can also receive our monthly newsletter, which includes upcoming concerts as well as news about the Orchestra.
During a concert, the audience traditionally applauds at two key moments: when the musicians come on stage, as a sign of greeting, and at the end of each work, as a sign of appreciation. Even though most of the pieces played consist of several movements between which the musicians take a short break, it is customary for the Orchestre de Paris to applaud only at the very end of the piece so as not to disturb its unity. The attitude of the musicians and the conductor allows you to discern the right moment to applaud. If you have any doubts, wait for the rest of the audience to begin and join in...
WHAT HAPPENS IF I CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE CONCERT I BOOKED?
Tickets can exceptionally be exchanged, by post only, within the limit of available seats. The public relations department must receive the ticket no later than 48 hours before the date shown on it, at the following address: Service des Relations avec le public, Orchestre de Paris, 191 boulevard Sérurier, 75019 Paris. Exchange is accepted for a ticket at the same or higher tariff (with payment of the difference by the customer). Exchange fee: 2€ / ticket, except for subscribers, for whom the exchange is free.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO TAKE CHILDREN TO CONCERTS?
The minimum age to attend concerts is 3 years old. Each spectator must be able to remain seated silently throughout the concert... As part of our projects aimed at young audiences, we offer concerts specially designed for a family audience that will allow you to discover the symphonic repertoire in a fun and original way. These concerts generally take place on Wednesdays, Saturdays or Sundays.
WHERE CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT THE ORCHESTRE DE PARIS’ NEWS AND UPCOMING CONCERTS?
All news concerning the Orchestre de Paris is available on this website. You can also receive our monthly newsletter, which includes upcoming concerts as well as news about the Orchestra.
About the Orchestra
WHAT IS A SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA?
There are several kinds of orchestras, which are distinguished by their repertoire as well as by the nature and number of the instruments that compose them: the wind band, the brass band, the jazz band... The symphony orchestra, designed to perform "classical" music, is the one with the greatest number and variety of instruments, divided into four families: strings which make a sound when the strings are rubbed with a bow made of wood holding horse hair (violins, violas, cellos, double basses) or plucked (harp), woodwinds (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon), brass (horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba) and percussion (timpani, cymbals, triangle, etc.). It is often contrasted with the chamber orchestra, characterized by its smaller size (up to 30 musicians).
There are several kinds of orchestras, which are distinguished by their repertoire as well as by the nature and number of the instruments that compose them: the wind band, the brass band, the jazz band... The symphony orchestra, designed to perform "classical" music, is the one with the greatest number and variety of instruments, divided into four families: strings which make a sound when the strings are rubbed with a bow made of wood holding horse hair (violins, violas, cellos, double basses) or plucked (harp), woodwinds (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon), brass (horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba) and percussion (timpani, cymbals, triangle, etc.). It is often contrasted with the chamber orchestra, characterized by its smaller size (up to 30 musicians).
The symphony orchestra takes its name from a musical genre invented for it: the symphony, from the Greek "syn" (with) and "phôné" (sound). Conducted by a conductor who ensures its cohesion, the orchestra also interprets overtures, concertos, symphonic poems and ballet suites…
HOW BIG IS THE ORCHESTRE DE PARIS?
The Orchestre de Paris currently brings together 119 permanent musicians plus 140 singers in the Orchestra's chorus.
HOW BIG IS THE ORCHESTRE DE PARIS?
The Orchestre de Paris currently brings together 119 permanent musicians plus 140 singers in the Orchestra's chorus.