Going to a Concert: Things to Remember

Attending a concert of classical music might be a very exciting event, and if you are not a frequent concert-goer – especially. But even experienced concert-lovers might feel anxious every time before getting ready for a classical gig. It’s an overwhelming experience after all. I have come across a brief and clear guide on how to be a proper concert-goer and I though it’s a good thing to remind ourselves what should be remembered first of all in order to avoid embarrassment.

My own biggest problem is the uncontrollable urge to clap. I really can’t hold it back if the music is really good. But the rule is you can only clap before and after the performance. No intermission clapping.

Another problem is the health issues. I mean coughing or sneezing. If you caught a cold, I suggest you don’t go to the concert at all, don’t be an egoist. As for spontaneous coughs, better get some pills beforehand that would help you deal with the urges for a few hours.

And the biggest issue of the modern world – the inability to go without our mobile gadgets. Come on, guys, if you’ve chosen to come to enjoy such a unique experience as a classical concert is – enjoy it! Let your phones be forgotten at least for this time. Phones off, music on!

Well, some artists do not get disoriented so easily. Here’s how a pianist punished the disobedient listener for the unsilenced mobile phone:

World's Largest Orchestra (7500 Musicians)

Every year people strive for new records, beating the previous ones or setting new heights. It is within our nature – the desire to compete, win and be called the best in something.

Music is just like all other spheres where records are regularly set, be it in the run for a title or just out of creative curiosity. The list of international music competitions is as diverse as it could possibly be and I would call it a good sign. Bela Bartok, however, would not agree, he used to say that "competitions are for horses, not artists". Whatever it is, I still find it great that people strive to make the most of their lives by reaching new peaks.

The summer of 2016 has been interesting in this regard. On July 9, 7500 classically trained musicians gathered at a football stadium in the German Frankfurt to achieve a new record. By some magic order, the crowd formed a professional orchestra and presented an impressive 45-minute performance. Some of the best pieces of symphonic music by composers like Beethoven, Dvořák, Miles, Webber were united in a beautiful medley under the baton of Wolf Kerschek.

In a regular-sized orchestra, you may have problems watching the conductor’s moves if you have a bad sight. Now imagine what it’s like for the guy in the last row of 7500 people do it? The organizers said it was the most challenging part of the thing. For everyone to start playing at once and not get lost in the middle of the performance, there was a huge screen installed at the stadium. With all of this work done, the guys now officially hold the world record for the biggest orchestra that ever performed.