FAQs

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra aims to be accessible and friendly and we want you to enjoy your concert experience as much as possible. If you have never been to an SCO performance before, you may be interested in the answers to our most frequently asked questions below. If there is anything else you would like to know about the Orchestra or a particular event, then please email info@sco.org.uk or ring the SCO’s Know the Score line on 0131 557 6802.

Do I need to know the music before I attend a performance?

No. Part of the excitement and experience of going to a live concert is having the chance to hear a great piece of music for the first time, or listening to a piece you haven't heard for a long time. As many films, TV and radio programmes use music by ‘classical’ composers, there’s a good chance that you’ll recognise snippets of the music anyway. Some regular concert-goers find that they appreciate the performance more if they listen to a recording of the piece before the concert and some find that their enjoyment of the music is enhanced if they read the programme notes before the performance. You can read the programme notes for any of the SCO’s main season concerts here on the website.

What should I wear?

This is entirely up to you. Some people like to dress formally for SCO events, whereas others prefer to come in more casual attire, for example jeans and trainers. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and relaxed so that you can enjoy the music as much as possible.

Can I bring my mobile phone or camera?

To avoid distracting the musicians and other audience members, we recommend that you turn off all mobile phones, pagers, bleeping watches, and other electronic devices before entering the concert venue. No photography or use of recording devices is allowed at SCO concerts at any time.

How can I purchase tickets?

Tickets may be purchased online - just follow the "book tickets" link beside the concert listing. You can also book tickets in person at the venue, or by telephone - see concert listing for full details.

When should I arrive?

We suggest you arrive 20 to 30 minutes before the concert is due to start to give you time to find your seat, relax, read the programme notes and welcome the musicians onto the stage. Ticket-holders who arrive after the concert has begun will be seated during a suitable break in the programme to minimise distractions to the musicians and other audience members. For this same reason, if you have to leave before the concert ends, please do so between pieces.

When do I clap?

The audience welcomes the Orchestra, conductor and/or soloists on stage with a round of applause. After that, applause is usually reserved for the end of each piece of music and to welcome the conductor back for the next piece. If in doubt, just wait till everyone else starts and then join in.

How can I learn more?

Before some of our concerts we have Pre-concert Talks, when guest speakers take you through aspects of the evening’s music in a friendly, informative and informal context. All ticket holders are welcome to attend free of charge.

You can request programme notes for each concert in advance by ringing 0131 557 6802 or emailing info@sco.org.uk. These notes will have information about the musicians as well as the pieces in the concert.

Some of the music performed during the season is available on CD from the SCO’s online shop. For more information about SCO recordings click here or to browse through the shop click here.

If you would like to join our mailing list to keep you up-to-date on all Orchestra events and activities, simply sign up to be on our postal or enews mailing list.

The SCO produces a tri-annual newsletter called SCO News, which includes all the latest information about the musicians and the Orchestra's activities. You can download copies here, or you can order a copy by email or phone: info@sco.org.uk, tel: 0131 557 6802.