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Imagine being in a room with a group of really good friends. The conversation flows freely - one idea bounces off another, sometimes people take turns to speak, sometimes they all talk at once.
Friends feel at ease with one another, able to share thoughts and ideas. Chamber music has been called the music of friends, and it's rather like a conversation - each voice is important and adds something to the whole.
People define chamber music by where it came from - music for small groups originally played in chambers or rooms rather than concert halls. Maybe we should define it by what it is - a musical conversation, which has the capacity to enlighten, entertain, enthral, perhaps even to disturb us at times.
What is 'chamber music'? Chamber music is a title that doesn't adequately describe a world of wonderful musical experiences.
Berys Cuncannon - former CMNZ Artistic Manager
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When you subscribe to the season or buy a ticket for a concert you can choose where to sit. Subscribers have the advantage of having first option on the best seats.
Some people like to be close to the stage, where they can see the musicians' expressions and witness their technique at close range. Others prefer to be in the balcony, looking down on the stage. Try different seats to find which you prefer.
There is no right or wrong way to respond to music. It is a very personal experience and the way the music affects you may be completely different to how it affects the person sitting next to you. In general, it is good manners to listen to the music in silence. Try to avoid any interruptions such as noisy lollie wrappers, beeping watches or phones, whispering, etc.
At chamber music concerts it is accepted practise to clap at the end of the piece. The music is often separated into movements with gaps between each movement. It will seem like you should clap when there is a break but do wait until the end of the final movement. For many musicians and listeners the movements create a mood that contributes to the overall feel of the piece of music so should not be interrupted.
You can usually tell when the piece has been completed by the way the musicians act. If you are in doubt, wait until everyone else starts! If you are so incredibly affected by a movement and cannot suppress spontaneous applause, do not panic. No one is going to ask you to leave for being enthusiastic!
In New Zealand, concerts have tended to be semi-formal, but are increasingly becoming more casual. People are there for the music, not to look at the audience. So if you like dressing-up for the occasion, that's good; but if you don't, and feel more comfortable in jeans and a loose fitting shirt or tee, that's fine too.
Concert seating can put you in close proximity to your neighbour. In this respect, try to avoid wearing overpowering fragrances. We want to make attending chamber music concerts as enjoyable and pleasant as possible. If you have any other queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Taking photographs at CMNZ concerts using any technology, and video or sound recordings of concerts is not permitted, unless with the prior approval of CMNZ.