ATTENDING EVENTS

RUNNING LATE?

For the safety and comfort of the performers and other audience members, latecomers will only be admitted into venues at a suitable break (if one exists). This varies from performance to performance and for some events this break could be the first interval. Some performances do have a total lockout where entry may not be possible at all. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment.

If you leave a performance once it has commenced, you will only be re-admitted at a suitable break (if one exists). We regret any inconvenience and disappointment this may cause latecomers and provide viewing from monitors in the foyers.

During either of these times, entry to your allocated seat is not guaranteed.

Cloaking

For your convenience, Melbourne Recital Centre provides a complimentary cloaking service. The Cloakroom is located next to the Box Office on the Ground Floor. Large items, including umbrellas and large bags, must be cloaked. Where possible, we recommend that you do not bring larger items or items of significant value with you to Melbourne Recital Centre.

Audio /Video recording and photos

Melbourne Recital Centre strictly prohibits the audio / video recording and taking of photos (including camera phones) anywhere in the venue.

When to applaud

For some shows, there are no expectations on when to applaud. Performers greatly value the applause of an audience and it is never unappreciated. However, for chamber music and symphony performances, there are some generally accepted conventions on when to do so.

If in doubt, wait to see when the rest of the audience applauds and follow their lead.

Symphony

Just before the performance begins, all members of the Orchestra except the Concertmaster will be seated on stage. The Concertmaster is the violinist who sits in the first chair of the first row of the Orchestra. The audience will greet the Concertmaster with applause when he or she enters the stage. A few moments later, the Conductor will follow and the audience will applaud again. Should there be a soloist or soloists performing, they will enter with the Conductor and should also be applauded.

Once the performance commences, you will notice that symphonic works are often composed of several movements or sections with short pauses between each movement. It is customary to sit quietly during these pauses and save your applause for the end of the final movement.

Chamber Music

Like symphonies, chamber music pieces are often made up of several movements with short pauses between each movement. Audience members are encouraged to hold their applause until the end of the piece. Melbourne Recital Centre provides free program sheets for each performance, available from stewards in the foyer, which will outline the movements for each piece.

Dress Code

Unless specified, there is no formal dress code at Melbourne Recital Centre, although shoes must be worn at all times. If in doubt, smart casual is always a good choice.

Visiting with Children

Melbourne Recital Centre Box Office can provide further advice at boxoffice@melbournerecital.com.au or +61 (0)3 9699 3333. Please note: with the possible exception of some specially designated children's performances, all patrons must have a valid entry ticket, including babes in arms.

A limited number of booster cushions are available from the cloakroom upon request for use by patrons within our venues as long as they do not obstruct the view of the people behind them.