Dress
Dress code for "classical", i.e., symphony, chamber music or jazz concerts, has become more relaxed over time. You ultimately choose what you wear, but it might be best to dress up a little more than "jeans and a T shirt". In bigger cities, just so you know, operas tend to be very formal events.
Timing
Be on time, better yet early to get a chance to relax and then enjoy the music. If you do arrive after the first piece has started, wait until it has ended before entering the hall to find your seats. An usher will often help guide you with the least intrusive time to enter the hall.
Silence
Turn off your pager, beeping watch and cell phone.
Unlike fans at jazz or rock concerts, it is important remain silent at a "classical" concert. Other audience members who are trying to listen to the music can hear all small noises such as whispering, talking, seat noises, opening of cough candies and writing with a pencil.
It's best to leave the hall during the performance if you feel ill, need to cough extensively, or if your children become restless.
Applause
It's important to welcome the concertmaster (i.e. the lead violinist) with applause when he or she walks out to tune the orchestra before a piece starts.
The etiquette is to withhold applause in between movements of a piece, and to applaud only at the end of a piece. If the piece is successfully dramatic or enchanting, it can be a thrilling experience when the whole audience pauses for a moment of silence before putting their hands together.
At the end of the piece, often soloists with the orchestra and the conductor will walk on and off the stage a number of times during applause. It is supportive of you to keep clapping until they have made their final exit from the stage.
The audience may give a standing ovation if the performance is truly outstanding, and you can stand if you feel moved to.
It can be a real treat for the audience if the performers decide to play an unannounced encore, especially if you really enjoyed the performance.
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