Tips for Beginners
If you are a first-time visitor to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Meyerson, you may be unsure what to expect - and what's expected of you. So we've assembled some practical thoughts that will help get you in the right frame of mind to enjoy an enlightening evening.
What should I wear?
You'll notice apparel ranging from business casual to after-five evening wear. Though you won't see many people in jeans, wear what is comfortable when dressing for a night at one of Dallas' premier entertainment venues, the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
When should I arrive at the Meyerson Symphony Center?
It is best to arrive at least one hour before the scheduled performance begins. This leaves time for parking, picking up tickets, visiting the restroom and finding your seat. You will then also have time to experience pre-concert lobby events.
If you are attending a Performance Prelude, plan to arrive one hour before the performance. Go directly to Horchow Hall, located behind the box office on the lower level of the Meyerson Symphony Center.
What happens if I arrive late?
In consideration of the comfort and listening pleasure of the audience, patrons who arrive after the concert begins will be asked to wait to be seated until an appropriate pause between pieces. Patrons may also hear and view the concert on flat screens located next to the box office.
Do I need to know the music before I attend a performance?
No. One of the great joys of going to a Dallas Symphony concert is being introduced to a great piece of music you've never heard before, or listening to a superb performance of a piece you have known for years. Some regular concertgoers do find they appreciate the performance more if they listen to a recording of the piece before the concert, so they can better anticipate their favorite parts, or listen to virtuoso playing of the more difficult passages. (You can listen to some of the music performed by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in the Listen section of this site.) Many audience members also find that attending a live concert enhances their enjoyment of the music.
May I bring my wireless phone or pager?
All electronic and mechanical devices including pagers, cellular phones and wristwatch alarms, must be turned off before entering the hall. If you need to be reached in an emergency, please advise an usher and you will be located. Beeping cell phones and pagers can spoil a concert. If at all possible, please leave these devices at home.
May I take pictures at the Meyerson Symphony Center?
The taking of photographs or the recording of Dallas Symphony Orchestra concerts is strictly prohibited. Any cameras or recording devices must be checked at the security desk in the main lobby prior to entering the Concert Hall.
