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

@mylogic 

From about 10 years old I was taken to classical concerts at the White Rock Pavillion in Hastings, just east of you (’just’ as in Australian distance terms!).

Mainly it was the London Philharmonic Orchestra, who seemed to use Hastings as a final rehearsal before playing in London.  I remember an absolutely electrifying performance conducted by the Russian Kirill Kondrashin, who used neither score nor baton, but seemed to hover over every instrumental entry while simultaneously balancing the sound.  I get the same thrill watching another Kirill, this time Petrenko, conducting the Berliner Philharmoniker in Tschaikovsky’s Pathetique Symphony, number 6 on Blu-ray.

@freediver  About as far removed from the Brandeburgs as you can get and highly recommended if the harpsicord turns out not to be your thing!  I must admit I run a mile away from the Australian Brandeburg Orchestra, but equally quickly towards the Australian Chamber Orchestra in the same repertoire.

A somewhat less unruly crowd without screaming and whistling every time someones starts a song.

@rwwear 

l agree…. Unruly crowds 

The same applies to watching some of the hysterical whistling, yelling and stomping on TV shows like “Britains Got Talent” My neighbour says watching it in his flat he has to avoid annoying the neighbours. He has to constantly keep on grabbing the TV remote volume control every time the audience goes berserk.

l can only compare watching that show to modern day Beatlemania, and it is actively encouraged by the producers.

To set appropriate expectations, it's important to do some homework before attending any concert—not just your first:

(1) Study the music beforehand. Understanding the background, composition style, and historical context of the pieces allows for a deeper connection with the performance.

(2) Listen to high-quality recordings of the pieces beforehand.  It can familiarize you with the themes and structures, making the live rendition more impactful. It allows you to notice subtle differences in interpretation and performance, deepening your understanding and enjoyment of the music.

(3) Attend pre-concert talks or reading program notes. This can provide valuable insights into the composer's intentions and the nuances of the music,  enrich your appreciation and heighten your anticipation and enjoyment of the live performance.

*** Transform your experience from passive listening to active engagement.

Unruly crowds, this my pet peeve. I've had so many concerts absolutely shattered by loud mouths, people over reacting, its like they want to be the star of the show, make themselves heard. I'm not there to hear you!