I've never been. What should I expect?
Expect an experience like no other! Cape Symphony is unique in that our mission is to inspire joy. We believe in having fun, sharing beauty and making people feel wonderful.
When should I arrive?
Concert hall doors open 40 minutes prior to the show. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before so you can find your seat, turn off your cell phone, and look at the program. Learn more about directions and parking.
If you have any questions or concerns, please ask a Cape Symphony staff member or visit the Box Office in the lobby.
What should I wear?
Anything that makes you feel comfortable is fine. Most people will be wearing business clothes or slightly dressy casual clothes. Other people will wear jeans. Some people enjoy dressing up, and you can, too – but there’s no pressure!
We suggest that you bring a sweater to wear in the hall. There is a blower above the loge that must remain on throughout the year; it circulates air to control the level of carbon monoxide in the concert hall. The Cape Symphony staff is unable to change this. If you regularly sit in the loge, you know it can be chilly! Please plan accordingly. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope that you will comfortably enjoy the concert.
We encourage attendees to be as fragrance-free as possible when they arrive at the hall. Perfumes, colognes, and other strongly scented products can affect attendees with chemical sensitivities, allergies, asthma, headaches/migraines, or other chronic health conditions.
If you have a coat, please bring it to the coat check area at the far end of the lobby. It’s free to check a coat but tips, which benefit Cape Symphony music education programs in the community, are greatly appreciated.
How long will the show be?
It varies, but most of our Masterpiece and CapePOPS concerts are about two hours long, with a 15 or 20-minute intermission at the halfway point. Our New Year's Day Party is a notable exception: that performance is 90 minutes. Soft drinks, coffee and snacks are for sale in the lobby before the show and during intermission - but you can't bring them into the concert hall!
I use a wheelchair. Is there anything I need to know?
The Barnstable Performing Arts Center has 10 designated wheelchair spaces in sections B, C, and E. You may purchase a wheelchair space and adjacent seats for companion(s). Please inform the Box Office of your needs when ordering your tickets by phone or in person, or look for the wheelchair symbol when ordering online. If your seats are in the Loge (second floor), there is an elevator at the far end of the lobby. For safety reasons, your companion must be able to assist you with the wheelchair and bringing you into the concert hall. Learn more about accessibility.
When are the Masterpiece Series pre-concert talks held?
Our Musically Speaking pre-concert talks are insightful and entertaining looks into the music you are about to hear. These free 30-minute talks begin one hour prior to each Masterpiece Series concert in the Knight Auditorium, conveniently located in the same building as the Barnstable Performing Arts Center. You can access the Knight Auditorium through the main or side entrances to the Center.
The weather looks bad. Will there be a performance?
To receive information about a concert postponement due to severe weather conditions or other emergencies, please listen to WOCN 104.7FM and WXTK 95.1FM.
Photo Credit: Paul Blackmore
