A First Time Guide For Attending
The Glens Falls Symphony
“No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it.” ”
Don’t worry, it will be fun, we promise!
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What types of concerts do you perfrom throughout the year?
The regular season concerts include music from the 1700s to the present day by composers from around the world. These pieces are written down and then brought to life by the orchestra and conductor. Some are purely musical, with titles like Symphony or Concerto. Others tell us a story, with the support of Opera or Dance. The Glens Falls Symphony also offers summer pops concerts, children’s concerts, film series, and small ensemble performances throughout the year.
The Symphony is proud to partner with the de Blasiis Chamber Music Series one of the oldest in the country bringing the finest performers and programs to the Glens Falls area at the Helen Froehlich Auditorium at the Hyde Collection Museum in Glens Falls, NY throughout the regular season.
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Who are the musicians of the Glens Falls Symphony?
The Symphony includes more than 50 professional musicians who play string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. These musicians studied their instruments intensively from a young age, often attending top music schools and performing with orchestras before winning a competitive audition to join the Glens Falls Symphony.
Charles Peltz is Music Director of the Glens Falls Symphony, and he conducts all Glens Falls Symphony concerts and productions. Other performances from time to time are led by guest conductors, who visit for a week at a time and bring a variety of musical perspectives. Many concerts also feature a guest artist playing a concerto. Some concerts also feature guest singers from around the country as well as local choral programs.
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What should I attend?
Find our Schedule on the taskbar at the top of this website and look at a few concert descriptions to see what’s coming up. Most concerts include three or four different pieces. If you recognize one of the composers, that might catch your interest. Or if you like a particular instrument, you might look for a concert with a guest artist who plays it!
Expect to enjoy yourself!
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How do I get tickets?
You can buy tickets to any concert online, or through the Glens Falls Symphony Box Office which is open Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm located at 7 Lapham Place, Glens Falls, NY 12801. The box office phone number is (518) 793-1348 to charge by phone. Tickets can be purchased at the venue (day of) for most Glens Falls Symphony concerts and events based on availability. The Glens Falls Symphony accepts cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
We also offer season subscriptions and family packages which offer savings and other benefits. Students can get special discounts as well!
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Where should I sit?
Glens Falls High School has good acoustics and sightlines in every section. The Orchestra level can put you closer to the musicians, while the balcony gives you a bird’s-eye view of the entire stage.
All performances at Glens Falls High School start promptly at 4pm. All available entrances to the school building are open day of the concert at 2:30pm to all ticket holding patrons and the general public. At 4:15pm the box office is closed, and all the doors of Glens Falls High School are locked. If you arrive late to a performance at Glens Falls High School we ask you to arrive at door A facing Quade Street. You will see a sign on the door. Follow the directions on this sign for entry.
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What should I wear?
We encourage you to come as yourself in a style of your choice. There is no right way to enjoy the Symphony! You’ll see a wide range of fashion among our audience members, including business, cocktail, casual, and creative attire. Only the Springtime Gala is more formal, and holiday concerts can be fun and festive.
It's all about preparation!
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Can I use my phone?
Going to the Symphony can be a great reason to unplug for a while. We ask that you silence your phone and put it away while the Orchestra is playing. This helps create the best performing environment for the musicians, and the best listening environment for the audience. Photos and videos are allowed before and after and during applause but recording or taking photos during the music is prohibited.
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When should I clap?
You should clap to welcome the conductor onstage, and then whenever an entire piece is finished. Some pieces have multiple movements (smaller pieces intended to be played as a set), and it’s traditional not to clap in between them, though sometimes people do. If you’re unsure, just wait to hear if lots of other people clap, and then join in!
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Can I bring the kids? Are food and drink available?
It’s important that all our audience members be able to sit quietly, usually for about an hour at a time. We find our Orchestral Series concerts are typically enjoyed by kids twelve and older. For younger children, we suggest the Summer Pops Concerts which offers an exciting introduction to live orchestral music, as they are outside venues in summer with lots of fun and excitement happening around them. Certain holiday, and film series concerts are also good for younger children.
Depending on the season the Glens Falls Symphony may have light concessions sold prior to the concert and at intermission. We kindly ask that all food and drinks are finished before entering the hall.
