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General Patron FAQs
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Symphony experience. We hope that this information is helpful and makes your concert experience with the Golden State Pops a pleasant one!
Q. When should I arrive?
A. We recommend you arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the start of the performance. This will allow you time to find parking, your seat in the hall and to enjoy the Stageside Chat, which begins 30 minutes prior to each performance. Once the concert has started patrons will not be seated in the hall until the conclusion of the first work on the program. Please refer to our Late Seating Policy below for more details.
Q. When do I clap?
A. For most repertoire, it is appropriate to clap at the completion of the piece. Most symphonies consist of numerous "movements." It is customary that the audience clap only at the completion of the entire symphony. This allows the orchestra and conductor to maintain a certain concentration between movements, as well as helping the audience maintain a level of attention without interruption. If you're not sure, just wait until the rest of the audience begins clapping to be safe!
Q. What do I wear?
A. GSPO performances are "family-friendly", so you will see a wide variety of clothing, including suits and formal wear to khakis, slacks and skirts. Generally, business casual is a good way to go!
Q. Where do I park?
A.Free parking is available in the east side of the Centre Street Lofts parking garange. Centre Street Lofts are located on Centre Street between 6th and 7th (two blocks east of the Warner Grand Theatre). Additional parking is available on 6th Street, and also in a well lit outdoor lot on 7th Street, just "below" Pacific - this lot has a direct cut through to the Warner Grand Theater, and provides ideal and ample parking. All metered parking in historic, downtown San Pedro is free after 6pm and all day Sunday.
Q. How long are the shows?
A. Generally, our regular orchestral performances begin at 8pm (Stage side chats occur thirty minutes before concert start times). Our Special Events begin at 7:30pm. All of our Sunday orchestral performances begin at 3pm. Most performances run about 2 hours, including an intermission of about 20 minutes.
General Information:
Cameras and tape recorders are not allowed in GSPO concerts. Pagers and cellular phones must be turned off before entering the concert hall. Food and drinks may be enjoyed in the lobby but are not permitted in the concert hall. Patrons who arrive late will be seated at the first convenient pause in the program. No late seating is guaranteed for programs without intermission.
Late Seating Policy:
Golden State Pops concerts begin promptly at the announced starting time. In deference to the comfort and listening pleasure of the audience in the hall, late comers will not be seated until after the conclusion of the first work on the program, and there will be no seating break during any work. Patrons who leave the hall before or during a work will not be reseated until after the completion of the work.
In fairness to the performers and fellow concert goers, we ask that you remain in your seat until the concert has concluded.
Have any additional questions that are not answered above?
- Contact us at 310-433-8774 or email us at info@gspo.com for more information. We can't promise to have the answers to all of your questions, but we will do our best to try!
