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Classical First Aid

When should you clap? What should you wear? Discover everything you need to know before attending your (first) classical concert.

In practice

  • Where can I buy tickets?

    At Bozar, you have three options:

    • Order your tickets online via our website. You will then be redirected to Bozar's box office;

    • At Bozar Tickets (Rue Ravenstein 18, 1000 Brussels);

    • By telephone via the Bozar call centre (+32 (0)25 078 200) for a fee of €3.

    For further information, please refer to the website: https://www.bozar.be/en/tickets.

    When concerts do not take place at Bozar, you will be redirected from our website to the ticket office of the venue hosting the concert.

  • Do you offer discounts and special rates?

    Yes! You can find all the information about discounts and special rates on our dedicated page.

  • How do I get to Bozar? Is it possible to park nearby (car or bike)?

    If you have any questions about how to get to Bozar, please refer to their website: https://www.bozar.be/en/access.

  • How long does a concert last? Is there an intermission?

    A classical concert typically lasts 90 to 120 minutes, often with a 20-minute intermission. This is indicated in the programme. Somes concerts such as the Symphonic Dates last about one hour, without intermission.

  • What time should I arrive? And what if I'm late?

    The hall and dressing rooms open 1 hour before the concert. We recommend that you arrive 20 to 30 minutes before the concert starts.

    The hall doors close as soon as the concert begins. Reception staff will allow latecomers to go in at the end of a piece, when the applause begins.

Your first time at the BNO

  • How do I choose my concert?

    You can get an idea of the works programmed by consulting our brochure or our Spotify playlists on the concert pages. The “Season 25*26” page of our website can also help you make your choice. Between tradition and innovation, the Belgian National Orchestra’s sound library surely has a story for you!

    Too difficult to choose? Discover our subscriptions.

    We also offer family events and educational programmes. Find out more information here:

  • How can I prepare for the concert?

    Some concerts are preceded by a multilingual introduction, an opportunity to discover the story behind the music. Listening aids are also available shortly before each concert on the Bozar website and on site via the QR codes.

    If you’d like to listen to the pieces before hearing them live, you’ll also find Spotify playlists on each concert page!

  • What should I wear to the concert?

    There’s no strict dress code. Most people go for smart casual: a nice shirt, dress or sweater is always fine. For gala concerts, the Queen Elisabeth Competition or the National Day, some guests choose to dress up more festively.

  • When should I applaud ?

    During a concert, the audience generally reserves its applause for two key moments: when the musicians and conductor come on the stage, and at the end of each piece. A piece is often composed of several parts, called movements, ranging from five minutes to 15-20 minutes, with brief pauses in between — but these are not meant as cues to clap, even if it feels tempting. It is customary to applaud only at the very end of the piece so as not to disrupt its unity.

    If you're not sure what to do, please refer to the programme, observe the attitude of the conductor and musicians or wait for the rest of the audience to start applauding...

  • Can I take photos and use my phone?

    Phones, smartphones and other electronic devices must be switched to silent mode during concerts. We also invite you to lower the brightness of your device so as not to disturb your neighbours.

    You may take photos, but only before or after the concert. Don't forget to tag us on Facebook and Instagram!

    It is forbidden to record, film or take photographs during our performances.