??? My First Classical Concert,What Can I Expect ???

The entries above are excellent. I would only add that you should look for the small group of solo instruments that alternate and combine with the larger group, which is the essence of the concerto.

The quiet passages will be quieter than you think and the loud passages will be louder… real dynamic range is wonderful.

And oh yeah, try not to cough out loud (easier said than done).

@mylogic 

The Royal Albert Hall is where l have heard all of these……it’s not the venue for great sound

It was renowned for a dreadful echo - Sir Thomas Beecham remarked that at least young composers could be sure of hearing two or more performances of their work

@richardbrand 

The Royal Albert Hall dreadful echo….

Mendelssohn would have found the perfect venue to perform “Fingal’s Cave Overture”

The last time l was in the “Hall” there were dozens of giant upside down acoustic mushrooms growing out of the dome ceiling. Plus multiple sails all over up there draped horizontally to dampen the echo effect. I cringe if there is a recording l want and find it was performed there. I think the architecture helps the concert experience when witnessed live, but adds nothing when listening back home. Give me The Festival Hall, or The Barbican anytime, but not the Recoil Albert Hall.

@mylogic 

Agreed!  Even the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall had poor acoustics until fixed recently with A$100-million upgrade!

Where was the article quoted above, when discussions turned to the best place to sit in a concert hall.  It is not necessarily in the centre of 7th row back, as claimed by a forum member "because it is where he always sits"!

If a concert has plenty of spare seats, I often gravitate to high up at the rear during interval!