What to Expect at a Classical Series Concert

A guide to help maximize your enjoyment.

The concerts start at 7:30PM. Doors open at 6:00PM; Pre-Concert Talk with Eckart Preu starts at 6:30PM in the Theater. Open Seating.

Classical Series performs at the Long Beach Terrace Theater, part of the Long Beach Convention Center at 300 E. Ocean Blvd. Please access mapping here:

Parking at the Convention Center is accessible through Seaside Way, Collins Way or Locust.

Planning Your Evening

What to wear? Many guests choose business attire or smart casual, though you’ll see everything from khakis with a crisp shirt to elegant dresses and suits. While there’s no strict dress code, you might feel more at home dressing up a bit. It’s a grand occasion and a gathering of familiar faces from around town. In consideration of others, no hats or strong perfumes please.

All ages are welcome, but experience tells us that the setting and length of the event may not be conducive to enjoyment with small children. Please use your judgment for yourself and others. We don’t recommend Classical concerts for children under eight years old.

Some people like to enjoy an early dinner downtown. See the many options available in Downtown Long Beach. Subscribers can enjoy the 20% benefits of their Subscriber Dining Card.

Ahead of time, you might want to read the program notes available online on the concert page, which will compliment the Pre-Concert Talk by providing additional insight into the artists, the composers, and their music.

Safety at the Venue

To help ensure that Guests can enjoy an unforgettable and safe experience, we encourage Guests to travel light. All Patrons will be directed to electronic scanners. Additionally, bags may be subject to search.

For the safety and enjoyment of all Guests, items NOT permitted inside of all Long Beach Entertainment venues include:

Weapons (including pocketknives/blades of any size, ammunition, tasers, explosives, tear gas, and pepper spray).
Outside Food or Beverage
Illegal or Controlled Substances or Paraphernalia
Smoking (including E-cigarettes, Vaping Pens, or Liquid Refills)
Personal Medication in unmarked bottles (subject to medic screening upon entry)
Glass Bottles, Metal Cans, Cups, Coolers, Camelbacks, Bota Bags, or Metal Water Bottles
Instruments and Noise Making Devices (e.g., horns, cowbells, whistles)
Laser Pointers, Light Gloves, LED Micro Lights, Flashlights, or Glow Sticks
Stickers, Flyers, Posters, Sharpies/Markers, Spray Paint

As you arrive. Experience the evening

Parking at the Convention Center is $15 per vehicle. Subscribers have the opportunity to pre-purchase parking at 50% off. The Center’s parking attendants will direct patrons to the best available parking space. Please inform the first available attendant if you need to be directed to handicap/accessible parking. Overnight parking is not allowed.

The Plaza will open at 6PM. As you arrive, enjoy the dancing fountains and firepits. The Long Beach Symphony also provides live music in the lobby before the concert featuring young local virtuosos. Come early and have some social time.

Welcome to “The Third Space.” Sociologists tell us our lives revolve around three primary spaces: Home, Work/School, and Community, referred to “the third space.” At Long Beach Symphony, we believe concerts are more than music—they are opportunities to connect. That’s why we’re introducing The 3rd Space, a welcoming spot in the Terrace Theater lobby designed for conversation, discovery, and shared experiences. Whether you’re arriving solo or accompanied, you’ll find a chance to meet fellow music lovers, spark new connections, and become part of the Symphony community. Look for The 3rd Space sign before the concert or during intermission and make it one of the highlights of your evening!

Pre-Concert Talks are a great way to start off the concert experience. They are presented at 6:30PM in the Theater and feature guest conductors and/or local musicologists discussing the composers and their works. These talks provide wonderful insight that enhances one’s enjoyment of the music. Open seating in the Theater.

You may purchase drinks at the lobby bar and even enjoy them in the concert hall with the great music. Sip & Enjoy!

A concession counter is available before the concert and during intermission for the purchase of small snacks , coffee, etc. It is located in the lower section of the lobby, across from the restrooms.

If you arrive late, you might have to wait until a piece is finished so you may be seated without disturbing others. Please allow plenty of time for arrival and parking.

This event is most likely being photographed or filmed by Long Beach Symphony or other patrons. By attending this event you are consenting to the possible use of your image and/or likeness
for Long Beach Symphony’s advertising and promotional purposes in print and online. This consent extends to include any accompanying minors.

Photography and video are strictly prohibited during the performance.

In the Concert Hall

Before the music starts, settle into your seat and make sure your phones and other electronics are in silent mode or, better yet, off to ensure also ensure the light is not disruptive to those around you. If you will require a candy, you might want to have it unwrapped and ready in order not to disturb others around you. Prepare yourself for a wonderful opportunity to simply “be” with the music.

Please refrain from photography while musicians are performing. Video and audio recordings are not allowed.

A classical music concert provides you with an opportunity to experience the lush sounds of the orchestra in a very special environment. There is little that compares to being one with your fellow music lovers enjoying a transcendental experience together in silence, leading to the eventual jubilation at the triumphant finish. Thus, it is an important part of the experience to remain silent and somewhat still during the performance. If for any reason you must leave your seat, please do so in between selections—preferably when the audience is applauding. This is especially important at the Terrace Theater because we have no center aisle.

Applause: Generally, the best rule of thumb is “don’t be the first one to clap.” Usually, long symphonies are divided into distinct “movements,” and the conductor will keep his hands raised during the silence between movements so the audience knows that the piece is not yet over. At the end of the piece, the conductor will slowly lower their hands and the audience will then recognize the musicians for their performance.

There is usually one 20-minute intermission and the concerts are over by 9:30pm.

Still have questions? Call our box office at (562) 436-3203, ext. 1