New to the Phil

The term "classical music" can be used in two ways. When it's capitalized, it's usually referring to a historical period (c. 1730-1820), the time of Mozart and Haydn. The other meaning of "classical music" is much broader, covering the entire canon of Western art music, from Gregorian chant to Philip Glass and beyond. It encompasses a vast range of styles, forms, and techniques, but in one respect, classical music differs from other types by its use of music notation, which is used by composers to indicate the pitch, speed, meter, rhythms, and overall execution of the music. From the simplest song to massive compositions of mind-bending complexity, classical music often attempts to affect the mind, body, and spirit in profound ways; the greatest examples succeed in doing just that.

A symphony orchestra is a large ensemble of musicians who variously play strings (violins, violas, cellos, basses), woodwinds (flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons), brass (French horns, trumpets, trombones, and tubas), or percussion (drums, timpani, bells, etc.). Because of its size (55 or more musicians), an orchestra requires a conductor to keep the players together and present a unified interpretation. Compositions for the orchestra include such works as symphonies and concertos (for soloist and orchestra). Classical music is also written for, and performed by, smaller groups of instruments ("chamber music") or even by just one or two musicians ("solo recital").

The tired stereotype that you must dress formally (tuxedos, evening gowns, etc.) for a classical concert lives on, but only in cartoons and old movies. Never let your wardrobe keep you from a concert! Your experience of the music is what's important, so wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. As you'll see, a lot of concertgoers wear business attire or casual business attire. We do ask that you refrain from using strong scents, as they may be distracting to other patrons and the performers.

Although no special knowledge or experience is needed to enjoy an orchestral concert, certain practices have become customary:

• After the orchestra is seated, the first person to come on stage is the concertmaster (the lead first violinist), who is greeted with applause and who then initiates the tuning process. Next comes the conductor (with or without soloist), who is again greeted with applause. Once the conductor has bowed and turned towards the orchestra, everyone becomes quiet so the music can begin.
• Silence is the canvas on which music is experienced, so for maximum concentration and enjoyment, the audience should be as quiet as possible. What would normally go unheard in daily life (whispering, humming, tapping, turning pages, etc.) is noticed by everyone around you. Of course, mobile phones and all other electronic devices must be silenced before the performance begins.
• When should I applaud? This has been the subject of much debate. The tradition for the last hundred years or so has been to clap only at the very end of a piece, no matter how many individual movements there are. (In a recital, the custom is to applaud after a group of pieces, as indicated in the program.) The purpose of waiting is to maintain an unbroken atmosphere so that the piece retains its unity and that any spell the music has cast remains unbroken. But in earlier times, it was not unusual for the audience to respond with spontaneous applause, sometimes even insisting that a movement be repeated before a piece could continue. Today, as more music lovers attend classical programs for the first time, enthusiastic applause does occasionally break out between movements. If you are worried about when to applaud, the safest course is to wait until the conductor has turned around to face the audience and everyone is clapping.

It's a good idea to arrive at least 30 minutes before your concert time. Then you'll have plenty of time to park, peruse the program, and prepare yourself for the experience.

Late Seating: In consideration of our artists and patrons, late seating will take place during the first appropriate pause in the program, at the discretion of management. Certain programs are performed without intermission; in those cases, late seating may not be available at all. For the convenience of latecomers, the performance can be viewed and heard on monitors throughout the lobbies.

All Children are encouraged to attend all concerts. If a child does become a distraction please be courteous and take them to the Main Lobby. We are happy to offer childcare for children ages 5 and under in our nursery and child area at anytime during the performance.

The use of any recording devices, including cameras, is not permitted at the concerts at any time.

You have several options:

• In person at the Box Office (Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4:30pm or 1 hour before performances)
• Over the phone at 360.596.5866 (Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4:30pm)
• Via the internet

Evergreen Christian Community is located on the west side of the Olympia near the Capital Mall, at 1000 Black Lake Blvd. SW, Olympia, WA, 98502.

 

MAP / DIRECTIONS

• Seattle/Tacoma (I-5 South)

 

• Chehalis/Centralia (I-5 North)

 

• Elma/McCleary (HWY 8 East)

 

• Shelton (HWY 101 South)

 

Parking is available on both sides of the main building at ECC.

The Music Center offers an two gala dinner events before the opening and closing concerts of the season. Other gala events are also offered during the course of the year and refreshments are available for purchase in the main lobby of the concert hall. If we are not holding a gala dinner event we encourage you to enjoy the fine eating establishments that surround the west side of Olympia.

All single ticket sales are final, but you may help us allow others to experience music by donating your tickets for re-sale; you will receive a donation receipt for tax purposes. The Box Office will accept ticket donations until 6pm before an evening concert.

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