Frequently Asked Questions
Tickets to BFO's 2023 Summer Stage concerts go on sale May 1, 2023. Dates and programming for the Summer Stage concerts will be announced in March 2023.
Tickets to BFO's Chamber Series can be reserved on the Boston Athenaeum's website, approximately one month before each concert. To be among the first to know dates and programming for the Chamber Series, sign up for BFO's newsletter (scroll to bottom of this page)! All information regarding the 2023 Chamber Series will be publicly announced in January 2023.
We understand that it can feel intimidating attending a classical music concert, especially if it's your first time. But don't worry! The truth is, you're welcome to wear whatever makes you comfortable. Does the concert double as a date? Feel free to dress up! Are you simply there to relax and enjoy some music? Dress casual! The most important thing is that you enjoy the experience, and no matter how you're dressed, the BFO is happy to play music for you!
If you've ever been to a live classical music concert, you may have noticed that there are some unspoken "rules" regarding when to clap. This traditionalist approach to clapping in concerts is informed by the structure of the compositions that are performed. Oftentimes, a piece of music may have multiple movements, or sections, which make up the whole work, with a short pause between each movement. People may withhold their applause until the entire work is completed. However, at BFO events, we actually encourage our audiences to applaud when they feel compelled to--including in the pauses between movements. We feel that these moments are positive opportunities for our audiences to express themselves, and help to minimize the intimidating effects of classical music's dated formalities. Plus, we like to hear your support!
Unfortunately, we do not offer refunds for tickets. However, you can exchange your ticket for another concert. Email your name and the tickets that you wish to exchange at bostonfestivalorchestra@gmail.com , and a BFO staff member will be in touch.
Summer Stage concerts include one intermission and are no longer than 90 minutes. Chamber Series concerts have no intermission and are, on average, 1 hour and 15 minutes.