SILENCE IS PART OF THE MUSIC
Moments of silence before, during and after the music are part of the concert experience. Many classical works consist of several movements, between which there is usually no applause. If you are not sure whether one piece has finished, simply wait a second and watch the artists on stage. If they take a bow, feel free to give some hearty applause!
YOU HEAR EVERYTHING HERE: COUGHING AND RUSTLING
You can hear everything very clearly in the concert hall, including sounds from the audience. To minimise disturbance to other guests and the artists on stage, if you need to cough or clear your throat, please do so with your mouth closed or covered by a handkerchief/clothing. Simply holding your hands in front of your mouth is not enough. Cough sweets can ease a dry throat and are available free of charge at the cloakrooms.
MOBILES & SMARTPHONES
It’s a classic: right at the most beautiful moment of the concert, someone’s phone starts ringing in the audience. Reminder alarms and text message notifications can also be heard by everyone in the concert hall. So please switch your electronic devices to silent or switch them off completely – and enjoy the concert undisturbed!
PHOTOGRAPHY, FILMING & AUDIO RECORDING
Selfies from the Elbphilharmonie are an important part of the experience. But please do not film or take photos during the concert. Not only are there issues relating to copyright and personal rights, but the clicking sounds, illuminated screens and flashes will disturb everyone in the hall. Audio-only recording is also prohibited during concerts.
GOING OUT
If you have to go out during the concert, bear in mind that any movements in the hall are particularly conspicuous in the Elbphilharmonie. If possible, please only leave your seat between works, during the applause. Depending on the programme, you may have to wait until another break before you can be admitted back in.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
It’s very simple:
- Those who want to dress smartly can dress smartly. And those who like it more casual can come in jeans. The Elbphilharmonie audience is just as diverse as its programme. What’s important is that you feel comfortable.
- Larger bags and luggage (bigger than A3) must be left at the cloakroom. Jackets can be taken into the hall.
FREE PROGRAMMES
At most concerts, free programme booklets will be distributed at the concert hall doors. These programmes include details about the sequence of the concert, often with the timings of individual works, as well as interesting information about the programme and the artists.
HEARING AID FEEDBACK
The changes in volume levels during a classical music concert can lead to hearing aids turning themselves up, causing a high-pitched sound that can be heard across the entire hall – but to which the wearer is often oblivious. So please check the settings of your hearing aid before the concert.
