Concert Virgin scheme

We really love classical music and reckon that the sight and sound of an live orchestra is something to behold. So, to encourage people who’ve never been to an orchestral concert to give it a try, we’ve set up our Concert Virgin scheme – offering free tickets to newcomers to classical music *. Details of how the scheme works are below.

Why have a Concert virgin scheme?

People who’ve never experienced live classical music often say things like this:

• Classical music is an acquired taste and is only for older/posh people.
• You have to know a lot about the music to enjoy it.
• Classical music can only be enjoyed by adults. It’s not for children.
• The orchestra dress up formally for a concert, therefore the audience have to come in their best, too.
• An evening of classical music is long and boring.

Well, to explode those myths in turn:

It really doesn’t take much to ‘acquire’ a taste for classical music. All sorts of people from all walks of life enjoy it. As for being old and posh – well we’re all ages and we’re certainly not posh!

Some people like to know about the music they’re listening to, it’s true. But classical music can be enjoyed on all sorts of levels. With our accessible programme notes we provide just as much information as you need – which might be none if you just listen to the music for what it is!

Very young children may, like most activities involving sitting down for a period of time, find a concert a bit much. That said, we’ve welcomed children as young as 8 to our concerts before, and they’ve enjoyed them. We’ll even put you in good seats to make sure that the children have a good view of the orchestra (and you’re near the door, in case you need to dash out for any reason!). Please let us know if you’d like to be seated in this area, as we need to allocate the seats in advance.

This is complete nonsense! We dress up because it’s fun to – as you would for a night out or a wedding. The audience can wear what they like (and they do!).

Most concerts start at 7:30pm and end at about 9:30pm. This is less than most films at the cinema, with 3 distinct advantages. Firstly, all the action is live in front of you. Secondly, there’s an interval where you can get a cup of tea (or something stronger, especially if you’re the conductor!). Thirdly, you don’t have to sit through a load of trailers before the entertainment begins!

Don’t just take our word for it – take part in our Concert Virgin scheme and give it a try for free!

How the scheme works:

• You have to turn up a little bit earlier for the concert – before 7pm to be precise. We’ll give you a free guide as to what to expect and, of course, your free ticket.
• You sit back and enjoy the concert from your free seat!
• You have to fill in a brief questionnaire at the end of the concert, to let us know what you thought!

That’s it! It’s that easy.

For more details about the scheme, please contact us.

* This scheme obviously relies on the goodwill of our audience not to bankrupt the orchestra! Please do not take advantage of the orchestra by applying for the Concert Virgin scheme if you’re not a genuine Concert Virgin! Thank you!