What is Classical Music?
The term 'classical music' can represent anything from Beethoven's Fifth Symphony to a new work by Jennifer Higdon. Generally, classical music is played by a symphonic ensemble comprised of strings (violins, violas, cellos and basses), woodwinds (clarinets, oboes, flutes and bassoons), brass (trumpets, French horns, trombones and tubas) and percussion (drums, xylophones, bells, etc.), or some combination thereof.
What should I do if I lose my tickets?
We can have a new set emailed to you or waiting at the will call window on the evening of your scheduled concert. Just give us a call no later than 12:00 PM the day of the concert.
What should I wear to a LexPhil concert?
Wear whatever makes you comfortable! Business casual attire is entirely appropriate, as is something more casual. Formal attire, like tuxedos and evening gowns are not required at Philharmonic concerts. At our concerts, you will see attendees dressed both casually and formally.
What time do concerts begin?
All Season Series concerts start at 7:30 PM. If you want to double check the tiem your concert begins, take a look at your ticket. The start time is listed under the concert title!
Inside the Score is a pre-concert discussion of the evening's event with the musicians and guest artists, led by the evening’s conductor. This insightful discussion of the evening's event begins at 6:45 PM prior to each Season Series performance in the President's Room at Singletary Center for the Arts, and the Third Level at the Lexington Opera House. Seating is limited.
PB&J concerts are typically on Saturday mornings, at 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM, though some special PB&J concerts are held at 2:00 PM. PB&J Concerts last thirty minutes, followed by thirty minutes for the Instrument Petting Zoo.
How long are LexPhil concerts?
Season Series concerts average about one and a half to two hours each, and typically include a twenty minute intermission.
What if I arrive late to the concert?
LexPhil Season Series concerts begin promptly at 7:30 PM. Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the house manager. If you have arrived after the first piece has started, you may need to wait until it has finished before you enter the concert hall, so as not to disrupt other patrons. Anyone who needs to leave a concert early is asked to do so between pieces. If you know you need to be able to leave the hall, please let our Box Office staff know so they can seat you at the end of a row.
When should I clap?
Generally, it is considered proper concert etiquette to clap only after a piece is complete. This means that if you're listening to Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, which has four movements, it is appropriate to clap after the last movement. You can look at your program book to find out how many movements a particular piece has. Usually, there is a 15 to 30 second pause in between movements. So, in the case of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, you know you're hearing the finale after three pauses. If all else fails, you can always wait for the rest of the audience to clap before applauding. Another good sign is when the conductor either turns around or steps off the podium.
What about other noises - coughiing, cell phones, etc.?
It is always best to turn off cell phones and other devices before entering the concert hall. Noises such as cell phones ringing are distracting to your fellow audience members and the musicians onstage.
Can I bring my kids?
We love seeing young people at our concert! Children (18 & under) and college students with valid I.D. qualify for the special $11 ticket rate. Child tickets can be purchased online or over the phone any time. College student tickets are available online or over the phone starting one week prior to the concert.
Sometimes, Season Series concerts tend to be too long for short attention spans. However, children and their families will certainly enjoy Family, PB&J, and Discovery concerts that are specifically designed for children. Everyone, regardless of age, must have a ticket for admittance.
Will I recognize any of the music?
We think you'll recognize far more than you realize. Many of today's popular songs, television shows and movies include or are derived from classical themes. Even Bugs Bunny cartoons, NFL games, and commercials feature classical music.
What exactly are Seasons & Series?
The Lexington Philharmonic season runs from September through May, with an array of concerts that appeal to a variety of musical interests. All LexPhil concerts are grouped into different series, of which you can purchase a ticket package at the beginning of the year, or purchase single tickets to individual concerts as the season progresses. If you purchase a series, you become a subscriber. Subscribers enjoy many benefits, including sitting in the same seats for every concert, ticket exchange privileges, and a considerable discount off of single ticket prices. Subscriptions are available to Season Series, Family Series, and the Peanut Butter & Jelly Concert Series.
Why is the front row at the Singletary Center the least expensive? How do I know if the seats I want to buy are good seats?
If you like to go to pop or rock concerts, you are probably used to the front row being the most coveted and expensive seats in the house. Attending a concert at the Singletary Center for the Arts is more like going to a movie theater than to a pop or rock concert because the seats are on one gradually inclining level. If you sit in the front few rows, you may have to look up at the stage a bit, but not nearly as dramatically as you would if you sat in the first few rows at a movie theater. The “sweet spot” for seating at the Singletary Center is about one half to two thirds of the way back in the hall. This location allows your eye to take in the whole orchestra, as well as gives the sound some space to meld nicely before it reaches your ears. That being said, it’s hard to find a bad seat at the Singletary Center! Some people prefer to sit closer to the stage to get an up-close view of the musician’s masterful playing. Some people prefer to sit in the middle, and others prefer the aisle. If you would like assistance choosing the perfect seats, give our Box Office a call at (859) 233-4226. We would be happy to help!
Can I exchange my tickets?
As long as you are a season subscriber to the Season or Family series, you may exchange tickets for another performance in the same series. We ask that all exchanges be made at the LexPhil Box Office at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled concert.
You may make exchanges in person at 161 North Mill Street, or by calling the Box Office at 859.233.4226. Exchanges must be used in the series for which the original tickets were purchased, and upgrade fees may apply. Tickets are always subject to seating availability and some restrictions may also apply. We're sorry, but there are no exchanges allowed on single ticket sales. Please note that all programs and artists are subject to change.
What are Pick 4 packages?
Our Pick 4 Premium and Pick 4 Sampler ticket packages are the perfect solution if you are always on-the-go or want to sample the season. With these packages, you pick four concerts out of the entire Season Series. Pick 4 Premium subscribers pick from any concerts in the Season Series lineup including Premium Concerts, while Pick 4 Sampler have a more limited selection. With Pick 4, you'll receive the same benefits as a full season subscriber, but with flexible scheduling. See the Season Series page for a full listing of concerts.
Are there provisions for people with disabilities?
All Lexington Philharmonic programs are accessible to people with disabilities. Since the Lexington Philharmonic does not own its performance venues, we rely on our valued partners in communities throughout the state when we present our concerts and programs. Please contact the LexPhil Box Office for accommodation requests.
Where can I find directions to the Singletary Center?
Driving directions to the Singletary Center and parking options are available [here](http://lexphil.org/locations-parking).
Can I hear the concert again?
Yes! Most Season Series concerts are recorded for broadcast across the state on Classic 102.1 and WEKU-FM 88.9! Tune into Classic 102.1 at 8:00pm on the Friday night before the next Season Series concert, WEKU-FM 88.9 at 8:00pm on the Sunday night before the next Season Series concert, or go to WEKU's website to check the schedule.
How can I learn more about the Lexington Philharmonic?
The LexPhil offers engaging pre-concert chats called Inside the Score prior to our Season Series concerts. These offer the inside scoop to the concert programming. Come at 6:45 PM to hear informative, provocative and amusing insights from our musicians and guest artists, and ask your own questions during the Q&A. These casual chats really bring the music to life!
What does LPO stand for?
LPO is an acronym for Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra.
Who can I contact with more questions or concerns?
LexPhil’s ticket team is ready to answer any questions you may have! There are three simple ways to reach us. Give us a call at 859.233.4226 weekdays from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, send an e-mail to tickets@lexphil.org, or stop by the box office at 161 North Mill Street in the ArtsPlace building downtown. You can also reach us via our social media, Facebook and Instagram.
