Frequently Asked Questions

Is mask wearing still required?

No. Mask wearing is not currently required. 

Not everyone may have the same degree of comfort with the lifting of restrictions, and we ask that you please respect the personal space and comfort level of those around you.

How can I purchase tickets? 

You can purchase tickets to individual concerts and ticket packages: 

·       Online at https://www.londonsymphonia.ca/ until noon of the day of the concert

·       At the door one-hour prior to the start of the concert. 

Note: Tickets to London Symphonia concerts are not assigned seat numbers. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Arrive as early as you can to get the best seats in your seating category. 

Premium seating, which is reserved as a block on the ground floor and in the balcony, provides the best view. 

Ticket prices do not include fees and HST. 

Where can I park?

In addition to the parking lot at Metropolitan United there are other parking lots and on-street parking nearby. Find parking lot locations HERE.

Patrons with mobility concerns should use the East entrance from the main Metropolitan United parking lot. There are ramps providing easy access for those using mobility devices. 

If you require special assistance upon arrival, please notify London Symphonia in advance by phone at 226.270.0910 or an email to contact@londonsymphonia.ca 

Accessibility: What special assistance is available? 

If you require special assistance, wheelchair or accessible seating, please let us know in advance by phone at 226.270.0910 or email contact@londonsymphonia.ca 

The East entrance located off the main parking lot at Metropolitan United is accessible, with a ramp.  

A large print version of the Concert Program is available. Please ask the usher. 

An audio file is also available for the Program Notes. 

When should I arrive? 

Doors open at 6:30 pm, one hour before the concert starts.

Give yourself plenty of time to get to the venue, park, purchase your ticket if you need to, find a seat and read through the concert program.

For maximum enjoyment of the evening, we advise you to arrive and park between 30 - 45 minutes before the concert begins.

How long is a concert?

Concerts vary in length but usually range from 1½ to 2 hours with a 20-minute intermission.  

Can I eat or drink in the venue?

Only bottled water is allowed at Metropolitan United.

Can I use my camera?

Photography, video and sound recordings are not permitted during the performance.  For most performances, you are welcome to take photos in the concert hall before and after the concert and during Intermission. 

Can I bring my cell phone?

You may bring your cell phone but please make sure to turn it off or to vibrate before the performance begins. 

Can I bring my children to the performance?

We welcome children between the ages of 6 to 12. Our new Family Flex Packs for up to 2 children and 2 adults provide savings. 

If bringing children to the concert, help them to understand in advance that sitting still and listening is part of what makes a concert fun. It’s helpful to familiarize them with the story or music so they know what to expect. You will find lots of information about the program on the Concert webpage.

Every person must have a ticket in order to be admitted to the concert. Babes in arms (children ages 5 and under) are not allowed in our main concert series but are welcome to attend our Family Cushion Concerts held throughout the year at various venues across London. Sign up to our E-newsletter to stay up to date. 

How can I learn more about the music before I go? 

There are a number of ways you can learn more about the music and the guest artists before you attend the concert: 

Behind The Music is a video series of 20-minute interviews with conductors, guest artists and featured contemporary composers with Andrew Chung, Artistic Producer. Prepared before each concert, each episode provides fascinating insights into the music and the performers themselves. You can find a link to Behind The Music on the Concert webpage in the days leading up to the concert. 

Subscribe to the London Symphonia e-newsletter and you’ll automatically receive Behind The Music in the week leading up to the concert. Sign up HERE.

The Concert webpage is a great source of information including Guest Artist bios, Program Notes, and Behind The Music.  

Program Notes are available for concerts featuring major classical works. Written by Jeffrey Wall, a member of the violin section of London Symphonia, Orchestra London and the London Sinfonia for 38 years before retiring, Program Notes are packed with interesting information. Readers appreciate his meticulous research and wit. You will find a link to a print version and audio file of the Program Notes on the Concert webpage.       

Searching the Internet is a great way to quickly access information about composers, works and guest artists.  Wikipedia can be a good jumping off point. 

What if I’m late? 

As a courtesy to the performers and other audience members, you will be asked to wait until our ushers determine an appropriate break in the performance.  

What is the Scent Policy? 

On behalf of those who have serious allergies, we respectfully ask employees, guest artists and patrons to refrain from wearing perfume, scented hairspray, cologne, scented deodorants, aftershave or other scented products in the venue. 

What should I wear? 

Whatever makes you comfortable.  Some choose to dress up to make the occasion extra special, others dress purely for comfort. Wear whatever helps you enjoy the concert most.

Smoking: Is there any place I can smoke? 

You must be 30’ away from the venue entrance.

What is the proper etiquette when attending a performance? 

If you bring candies to reduce coughing, please unwrap them before entering the hall. You’d be surprised how loud that little ‘crackle’ can be!

Please refrain from talking during the performance … also try to avoid humming, singing or beating time. Leave that to the musicians on stage!

Please wait until Intermission to search through your purse or packages.

Please watch your children to prevent them bumping or kicking the back of the seat in front.

Please do not text during the performance. 

When do I clap? 

Many works in classical music, such as a Beethoven symphony or Mozart piano concerto, have three or more movements or sections.  A short pause usually falls in between each of them. It has become customary over time not to clap during these short pauses. Admittedly, sometimes it is difficult to avoid showing one’s appreciation after just one movement and if that happens, that’s fine with us. Terrific things are happening on stage! The reason for the short pause is that it allows the orchestra, the conductor, and the audience to relax, reflect and to prepare for the ‘transition’ to the new musical idea to come.

You may also just sit back, enjoy the music, and feel attuned to the response of the audience around you. You will know the piece has come to its final conclusion when the conductor lowers his or her baton onto the music stand, pauses, and slowly turns to the audience.

To find out the number of movements (and corresponding number of pauses) in a piece, turn to the “Program” page in your audience program. You will find that the subdivided movements of each piece of music are listed (usually indicated by tempo markings in Italian).

Sometimes at the end of a performance there may be an emotional moment of silence followed by appreciative applause, or a spontaneous eruption of roaring approval. Feel free to join in! Your response means the world to the orchestra and the musicians.