What You Need To Know About Attending a Philly POPS Concert

Today we’re taking a break from our regularly scheduled content about party hosting and how to stay in touch to talk about everything you need to know about attending a Philly POPS Concert.

Last January I auditioned for the Philly POPS festival chorus. I’ve now sung two series with them, and am incredibly excited to be in the middle of the 11-show Christmas series. After being to a few shows, I’ve answered a few questions for friends and family who have attended, and have seen enough shows to want to write a post for anybody wondering what to expect before and during a show.

It’s going to be awesome.

This is the first thing you should know. The POPS is an orchestra full of incredibly talented musicians, sometimes accompanied by soloists and choruses. They play fun, catchy, modern songs, and have been known to add some fun features to their shows (like lasers and dressed up Star Wars characters at their John Williams show). You’re in for a treat.

It doesn’t matter where you sit.

This is always the first problem people run into. Well, I sort of run into it. I ask them where they want to sit before they buy tickets and they always somehow turn it around so I’m answering the question. Here’s the thing: it doesn’t matter what level you’re on. (In fact, I’ve even been told the higher the better.) Sure, there’s a difference if you’re in the absolute back row of a level (but even those seats are still pretty good), and if you’re scared of heights you might not want to be super high. For the average person I’d tell you front or sides of the first or second tier balcony. That said, my favorite place to sit is above the stage so I can watch the orchestra members play and the conductor’s face. You do you though. That said:

If you have long legs, consider an end seat.

Some of the seats in the middle get a little squished, so if you’re not in the front of a section, go ahead and get yourself an aisle seat so that you can stretch out a little bit during the show (that said, watch out for characters in the aisle).

There’s a restaurant (and a bar) inside the Kimmel Center.

If you’re looking for something to do beforehand, there is a restaurant in the Kimmel Center that’s owned by Jose Garces. You can make a night of it. Grab yourself a drink beforehand. Grab yourself some food. It’s not overly priced for the city. There’s also plenty of options around town if you’re looking for something a little different. Off the top of my head? La Viola. Good Dog. Monks.

Arrive on time, if not early.

The show will start without you. If you arrive during the first number, you will have to wait outside the doors and come in after the number with an usher escort and a flashlight. It can also be awkward if you don’t have an aisle seat, because you will be getting into your seat in the dark. I know stuff happens, but if you plan early, you might be able to avoid it.

The conductor will not be the same every time.

The director of the Philly POPS is Michael Krajewski. He’s pretty fantastic, and his sense of humor is definitely getting a spotlight during this series. That said, directors swap out every so often and guest conduct. So if you’re stopping by the POPS you might see somebody like David Charles Abell instead. Who is also wonderful in a completely different way. He was actually recently named as a Principal Guest Conductor. Swanky, huh?

Business casual is about the average dress.

If you’re wondering what to wear, business casual is your best answer. Yes, you can wear jeans. I have. Make sure they’re nice jeans. With a nice top. But you will probably feel most in-place in business casual. (Especially if you’re attending a Friday or Saturday night show.)

You will do a lot of clapping.

Don’t let it annoy you. It’s part of the experience. Not quite to the level of a presidential speech, but still a lot. Let it energize you. And think of it as genuinely thanking all the people for all the hard work they put in.

Wait until the conductor’s arms are down to start clapping.

If the conductor’s arms are still up, the piece is still in motion. You might miss something important. Or a dramatic ending. Or anything really. Oh, also, if there’s is a multi-movement piece, you don’t clap until the end, but that’s typically in more classical music than what the POPS plays.

The people who come out at the end of the concert are the chorus directors (and other musicians).

At the very end of the show a few folks will come out to be recognized by the Director. These people are (most likely) the director(s) of the chorus(es). They are receiving the thanks and acknowledgment on behalf of their specific chorus (which is why the choruses are not allowed to clap for their own directors, because it would be like clapping for themselves).

Don’t leave until the house lights come on.

What concert have you ever been to that doesn’t have an encore? Just because this is an orchestra it doesn’t make it any different. Don’t leave until the house lights come on, because there’s probably more to the show.

Bonus Tip: Should you ever find yourself in this situation, you should stand during the Hallelujah Chorus.

The specifics on this one are a little iffy, but apparently back in March of 1743 when Messiah (the full body of work that the Hallelujah Chorus is a part of) was performed for George II he stood up during the Hallelujah Chorus. According to the royal code, when the king or queen stood, everyone else was supposed to stand. Because of that, to this day, people stand during the Hallelujah Chorus.

–

And that’s it. Any more questions? Absolutely let me know. I’ve got an entire chorus of 178 people I can ask if you stump me. Hope to see you at a show!