Des Moines Symphony

An introduction to the Des Moines Symphony

Top 5 misconceptions about the Des Moines Symphony:

1. Everyone wears tuxedos and evening gowns. Don't even think about attending a concert without your diamond tiara or platinum cuff links!
2. Clap after every pause in the music. The musicians bask in the sound of applause, right?
3. Classical music isn't meant to be enjoyed-it's meant to be appreciated.
4. Taking a cell phone call from your best friend during a Des Moines Symphony performance is considered "cool"-especially if you squeal and giggle loudly during the conversation.
5. It's OK to take pictures during the performance-camera flashes only add to the concert experience.

What is classical music?

The term "classical music" can mean anything from a Bach concerto to a Brahms Rhapsody. Basically, classical music is played by a symphony orchestra comprised of string instruments (violins, violas, cellos and basses), woodwinds (flutes, oboes, clarinets bassoons), brass (trumpets, trombones, tubas and French horns) and percussion (drums, bells and xylophones).

What should I wear?

Attending a concert at the Civic Center is always a special occasion; therefore most symphony-goers enjoy dressing up a bit. However, contrary to what most people think, you don't have to wear tuxedos and evening gowns to enjoy a Des Moines Symphony concert! In fact, most patrons only wear formal attire to our New Year's Eve pops performance.

At other concerts, business casual or business formal dress is perfectly acceptable.

When should I arrive?

Maestro Joseph Giunta and the Des Moines Symphony pride themselves on starting concerts on time, so it's a good idea to arrive slightly early to find your proper seat. Late arrivers will be seated by Civic Center ushers at designated times throughout the performance or during intermission. If you have to leave a concert before its end, please do so between program works.

How long is a typical performance?

Generally, Des Moines Symphony performances last about two hours, including intermission. You can always call us at 280-4000 for an estimated length.

When do I clap?

It is considered proper concert etiquette to clap after a piece is complete. This means that if you're listening to a work with four movements, it's appropriate to clap after the last movement. Usually, there is a 15-to 30-second pause in between movements. To find out the number of movements in a piece, turn to the program page in your program magazine. After the last movement, clap to your heart's content. (Or you can always wait for the rest of the audience to clap before applauding!)

What about other noises-coughing, cell phones and pagers?

Coughing is an unavoidable problem. Civic Center ushers have lozenges for your use during the performance in case an unexpected coughing attack occurs. If you find you can't stop coughing, there's nothing wrong with excusing yourself from the performance for the rest of the movement. Telephone and paging equipment should be turned off or silenced prior to entering the Civic Center. Patrons wearing alarm watches should turn them off before the concert begins. Following these rules of thumb helps you be sensitive to your neighbors and allows everyone a more pleasant concert experience.

Can I take pictures?

Cameras and other recording devises in the Civic Center can create distractions for our musicians and fellow audience members around you. As a result, no still, video or tape recorders are permitted.

Will I enjoy the concert?

Of course! You will be surprised to see how much of the performance is familiar to you-whether you've heard the music in TV commercials, movies, or from popular music that is based on classical works. Plus, you'll be introduced to music that may be new to you...music that will take your breath away. Each Des Moines Symphony concert offers something for everyone; you may not love every piece that is performed, but we guarantee each concert experience will be one you'll never forget!