Silence, S’il Vous Plaît: Your Guide to Concert Manners

The Chopin Competition is almost over — today’s final concerts will reveal the winner of the 2025 edition. It’s a great opportunity to revisit the basic rules of savoir‑vivre at a classical music concert.

[embed]

1. Don’t be on time. Be early.

Being on time isn’t enough. If at all possible, arrive early. The philharmonic is an elegant place, and attending a concert requires your full focus. You shouldn’t be in a rush, and you can’t enter late — often you won’t be allowed in once the concert has started. If you want a serious experience, spend an extra 15 minutes to make sure you will be early and you will get the best out of it.

2. Use the cloakroom.

Your coat or jacket doesn’t belong on your seat or your knees. Leave your outerwear in the cloakroom. This way, you won’t create extra noise during the concert, and you won’t make the space look cluttered — or risk a sleeve touching the floor.

3. Turn off all devices.

Triple-check that all your devices are switched off. Not just your phone: anything that can make sound or emit light — watches, headphones, e‑readers, etc.

4. Dress appropriately.

Avoid overly revealing clothing, very casual wear like T‑shirts or athletic gear (the worst), and anything that might be noisy (e.g., stacks of bangles that jingle). Test your outfit before the concert — does it make noise with every small movement? If so, change it. It’s also worth mentioning: go easy on perfume or cologne, which can distract those nearby.

5. Keep quiet and still.

Respect the artists and the audience. This isn’t the time for chit‑chat or laughter. Share your thoughts at dinner after the performance.

6. Clap correctly.

Applause is a warm welcome when the performer enters and at the end of an entire piece (after the final movement), but not between movements. If unsure, follow the crowd or watch the conductor/performer. When in doubt, wait.

7. Limit photos and recordings.

It’s nice to take a photo as a memory, but it’s not appropriate to record large portions of the performance. Recording pulls your focus from the music and distracts others. If you want a picture of yourself, take it before, after, or during the interval. If you must capture something, a brief clip of the final applause is better than filming mid‑concert.

8. Manage coughing and sneezing discreetly.

You can control these. Do your best not to cough during the performance; sneezing is also disruptive — try to wait for a break. Avoid using tissues during quiet passages, as the noise carries. If you really must, leave the hall as discreetly as possible and return when appropriate.

9. Show appreciation thoughtfully.

Warm applause is always welcome; standing ovations are for truly exceptional performances. “Bravo” at the very end is acceptable — used sparingly. Encores happen only if the artist returns.

10. Children — yes, if they’re ready.

Bring children who can sit attentively and are used to music. If it’s their first time, or if they struggle to focus on classical performances, choose a dedicated family concert instead.

By taking care of all the aspects mentioned above, you’ll be well-prepared. The key takeaway is that silence matters here more than almost anywhere else. Keep this in mind, and you won’t have to stress. Relax and enjoy a beautiful time surrounded by music that feeds both your ears and your soul.