Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about the LACO experience. We hope that this information is helpful and makes your visit with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra great.

What is a Chamber Orchestra?

A Chamber Orchestra is a small-sized orchestra, from ten to forty players. The relatively smaller number of players used in compositions for chamber orchestra creates a wonderful transparency of sound and demands musicians of soloist caliber. Chamber orchestra compositions showcase the beauty of every instrument and the skill of every performer. The evident joy in ensemble music-making and the camaraderie among the LACO musicians makes our Orchestra one of the finest of its kind in the world. The orchestra will vary in size depending on the composition. Some works call for all the different instruments of a symphony orchestra although fewer to a part; other works will call only for the strings. Some concerts will feature a conductor on the podium, while other others will be led directly from the piano or by the violinist in the first chair. Some of LACO’s most exciting concerts feature LACO music director Jeffrey Kahane conducting from the keyboard, or concertmaster Margaret Batjer as leader and violin.

When should I arrive?

We recommend you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the performance. This will allow time to find parking and to find your seat in the hall. Once the concert has started, patrons will not be seated in the hall until the conclusion of the first work/movement on the program.

One hour before the posted start time, some LACO concerts feature pre-concert activities that enhance the concert experience. These activities, such our popular Concert Preludes before orchestral concerts, and “Instrument Petting Zoo” before family concerts, are free to all ticket holders. We hope you’ll come early to enjoy them with us.

What should I wear?

At our performances, it’s really about the music. You will see a wide variety of clothing, including suits, dresses, khakis, slacks and skirts. Generally, business casual is a safe option. We want you to be comfortable, so you can enjoy the music.

Where do I park?

Because LACO performs at various venues throughout the Los Angeles area, there are different parking instructions for each location. Please visit the Venue Page for more detailed information. Handicapped parking instructions are also available on these pages.

Can I bring my children?

Use your best judgment when bringing children. You know your child – and his/her attention span – best. We do not recommend regular LACO concerts for children under the age of 7, or our family concerts for children under the age of 5. We trust that you will remove your child from a concert if he/she is creating a disturbance. Also know that we ticket all ages. If you decide to bring a child (of any age), you will have to buy a seat for him or her.

When do I clap?

For most classical music, it is appropriate to clap at the end of the entire piece. There are often movements within a piece of music. In the last 100 years, it has become customary not to clap between individual movements. This allows the musicians to maintain a certain concentration between movements, and the silence often adds to the end of the previous movement, as well as the beginning of the next. Your program will have the movements clearly marked. Having said this, we must add that at a number of LACO concerts, the audience has broken into spontaneous applause between movements. It’s all about enjoying the music and expressing appreciation for the performers.

How long are the performances?

Regular orchestral concerts typically last under two hours, including a 20-minute intermission. Baroque Conversations are 90-minute concerts performed without intermission, but they include time for questions and conversation with the musicians at the end of the evening. Family Concerts feature optional pre-concert activities for an hour before the posted start time; the concert portion is approximately one hour, including music and time for questions and answers, with no intermission.

I bought a ticket but cannot come to the concert. What should I do?

If you are a full series or flex subscriber, you get the benefit of a ticket exchange within your series. You can also give them to friends or family members to introduce them to the joy of the LACO experience. Or, you can donate your tickets** back to the orchestra up to 48 hours prior to the start of the concert, and receive a tax-deductible receipt for the value of your tickets. To donate your tickets back to LACO, please fax a copy of your VOIDED tickets back to the LACO box office at 214 955 2071 with your name and contact information. We will take care of the rest. (** Once your tickets have been donated back to the orchestra, they WILL NOT be valid for entry into the concert.)

What do I do with my cell phone?

You are welcome to bring your cell phone to our concerts. However, please be sure to turn off your cell phone, pagers, or watch alarms before entering the concert hall. These noises can be very distracting to the musicians and other audience members.

Do you have student rush tickets?

Yes! Student rush tickets are available for $10 at the box office beginning one hour prior to start time. One ticket per valid high school or college student ID. Subject to availability.

Can you recommend a place to eat dinner?

We have several partnerships with restaurants near our various venues. Please visit our Dining with LACO page to learn more.

How do I learn more about LACO?

eLACO is our free online newsletter with information about upcoming events, discounts and a glimpse of life backstage. You can sign-up online. You can also visit our blog, and even add your own comments. To be added to our snail-mail list, email your name and address to us at tickets@laco.org. Or, call our office at 213 622 7001, and we will be happy to make your acquaintance and answer your questions.