What to Expect at a New World Symphony Concert
When You Arrive
You’ll be greeted by a team of friendly volunteers and ushers, many of whom have been part of the New World Symphony community for years. We’re here to help with directions, answer any questions or just say hi.
Building opens: 60 minutes before the concert
Performance Hall opens: 30 minutes before the concert
Plan to arrive at least 30 to 60 minutes before the concert to get settled, grab a drink or snack and find your seat.
Phone Use & Photography
You’re welcome to take photos and use your phone in the lobby, before the concert and during intermission. During the concert, we invite you to put your phone away and enjoy the music.
Once the music begins, please:
Silence all devices
Dim the brightness of your screen
No flash photography
No video recording
Digital program notes:
At many concerts, you can visit nws.edu/program to browse a digital version of the program materials.
Closed captioning:
At many performances, you can access live closed captioning by visiting nws.edu/captions
Be mindful of those around you. If your phone is bright, loud or disruptive, you may be asked to put it away or leave the concert hall.
Concert Etiquette
Every time you attend a New World Symphony concert, you’re shaping the future of music. Here are a few tips for creating a great shared experience:
Keep conversations and noise to a minimum during the performance
Unwrap candy or cough drops before the music starts
Keep all aisles clear for safety and accessibility
Late Arrival & Re-Entry
If you arrive after the concert has started:
You’ll be seated at the next appropriate pause in the program, and may need to wait until intermission
Late entry is through the second level only, as a courtesy to the artists and audience
If you leave the performance hall mid-performance, you’ll be invited back to your seat after the piece comes to an end
We’ll always do our best to get you in quickly and smoothly without disrupting the music, but cannot guarantee you will be seated if you arrive late to a concert.
What to Wear
There’s no dress code at New World Symphony. Come as you are, and wear whatever makes you feel your best!
You’ll see everything from shorts and t-shirts to formal dresses and suits. What matters most is that you enjoy the music.
For a little inspiration, browse the gallery below:
Concessions
Before the show and during intermission, stop by The Adam and Chanin Carlin Atrium Bar—a glass and titanium meeting place designed by architect Frank Gehry.
New World Symphony’s food and beverage service is provided by Thierry Isambert Culinary & Event Design. Arrive early, or stop by the bar at intermission, to enjoy:
Specialty cocktails
Wine and beer
Coffee and non-alcoholic drinks
Gourmet cookies, sandwiches, cheese plates and other snacks
Note: Drinks and food can be enjoyed in the atrium, but at most concerts, only bottled water is allowed inside the concert hall.
For select performances with large crowds, you can often find another bar on the second floor.
