When should you clap? What should you wear? Discover everything you need to know before attending your (first) classical concert.
In practice
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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.
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Do you offer discounts and special rates?
Yes, the BNO and Bozar offer a variety of special rates and discounts to make orchestral music accessible to as many people as possible. You can find all the information about discounts and special rates on our dedicated page.
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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 this page.
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What time should I arrive? And what if I'm late?
The hall and dressing rooms open 30 to 60 minutes 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.
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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.
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Is there a cloakroom where I can leave my belongings?
A cloakroom is available for free at Bozar. Luggage, backpacks, and large handbags must be left there before entering the concert hall.
The following items are prohibited in Bozar’s halls: glass bottles, cans, alcoholic beverages, luggage, backpacks, recording devices, cameras, fireworks, and any object that could pose a safety hazard.
Are you traveling by train? Luggage lockers are also available in the lobby of the Central Station.
Your first time at the BNO
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How do I choose my concert? What can I expect from a BNO concert?
From film concerts and Symphonic Dates to chamber music, crossovers with dance, cinema and other art forms, as well as collaborations with pop, rap and jazz artists — not to mention major symphonic concerts featuring today's leading performers — the BNO's programme offers a wealth of musical worlds to discover. Bringing together tradition and innovation, it combines timeless masterpieces with bold contemporary creations to create musical experiences that are as diverse as they are inspiring. Whether you're with friends, family or colleagues, every concert is an opportunity to share an unforgettable experience in an exceptional setting. Perfect for a unique night out in Brussels!
You can get an idea of the programmes by consulting our brochure, our season playlist, or the “Season 26-27” page to help you make your choice. Too difficult to choose? Check out our subscriptions.
We also offer family events and educational programmes. Find out more information here:
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What is a Symphonic Date?
A Symphonic Date is a one-hour concert with no intermission, held on Thursdays at 7 pm. It's the perfect way to discover the magic of a symphony orchestra in a relaxed atmosphere, no prior knowledge required. Whether you're coming with friends, a date or colleagues, it's an evening you'll be talking about long after the final note.
Before the performance, the charismatic host Thomas Vanderveken offers a lively and entertaining introduction to the masterpiece you're about to hear, revealing its stories, secrets and musical highlights. Then it's time for the music itself: an iconic work that has captivated audiences for generations, from Sheherazade and the Symphonie fantastique to the New World Symphony.
When the applause fades, the evening continues with a drink or a night visit to Bozar All Over the P(a)lace. Your concert ticket gives you access to Bozar's exhibitions, performances and DJ sets, offering a chance to experience the venue from a completely different perspective.
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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 tips are also available in French and Dutch shortly before each concert on our website (on the concert page) and on site via the QR codes.
If you’d like to listen to the pieces before hearing them live, check out our season's playlist!
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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.
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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.
It is forbidden to record, film or take photographs during our performances. You may take photos, but only before or after the concert. Don't forget to tag us on Facebook and Instagram!
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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...
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Can I have a drink during the intermission or after the concert?
The bar next to the Henry Le Bœuf Hall is generally open to the public 30 to 60 minutes before concerts and during the intermission. After the concert, the bar in the Horta Hall, near the entrance, lets you extend your evening in a relaxed atmosphere.
For more recommendations on hotels, bars, and restaurants, as well as special rates, visit our dedicated page.
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Can children attend the concerts?
Of course, you're never too young to be enchanted by music! Some concerts and activities are designed specifically for children and their families, such as the Winter Concert and the Sunday Workshops. More info here.
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Where does the BNO perform?
The Belgian National Orchestra is in permanent residence at Bozar (the Centre for Fine Arts), an Art Deco masterpiece in the heart of Brussels. Most of our concerts take place in the Henry Le Bœuf Hall, renowned for its outstanding acoustics and seating capacity of more than 2,000.
The BNO also performs well beyond Brussels, regularly touring across Belgium (in Namur, Leuven, Louvain-la-Neuve, Antwerp, etc.) as well as internationally. Discover the concerts taking place near you!
