Comfortable Classical: A Concert Without the Rules!

COMFORTABLE CLASSICAL
A classical experience without the rules!

Enjoy the sounds of an orchestra up close and personal in this relaxed and cosy concert, guided by our fabulous host. Fun for the young and young at heart!

Move to the music, relax on a cushion, or maybe draw what you hear? With familiar tunes and fun new sounds, Comfortable Classical is for first-time concert goers, regular listeners, whānau and anyone who wants to experience classical music in a friendly and relaxed environment.

Everyone is welcome in our specially curated environment with breakout rooms, cushions and a warm atmosphere for the ultimate classical chill out.

Music will include lots of relaxing classics and fun upbeat numbers, with a chance to see and hear the instruments of the orchestra up close. Check out our playlist here, and find out more about the music!

If you have any questions about what to expect, take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions below, or get in touch on support@orchestras.org.nz - we're happy to hear from you!

Koha entry on the door, bookings essential as limited places available. 

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What to expect at Comfortable Classical - Frequently Asked Questions:

Sometimes at a Classical concert it’s easy to feel like there are a lot of unspoken ‘rules’ and that the music should be enjoyed in a certain way. Our Comfortable Classical experience is all about creating a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere for anyone and everyone of all ages and stages to enjoy. Let’s throw out the rule book!  
 
If you feel like getting up and dancing – that's great! If you need to leave the room for any reason, we encourage you to take the time out you need. You can hum, sing, dance, draw, or respond to the music in whatever way feels right in the moment – our friendly host and guide will encourage it! And don’t worry about disrupting the musicians, they want you to enjoy the music and experience as much as they love performing for you. 

• What do you mean by ‘comfortable’? 
  As well as the feeling of physical comfort with a variety of soft seating and cushions, and encouraging you to move to the music if you feel, we’re also keen to create a relaxed concert environment where people feel comfortable and encouraged to enjoy the music in whatever way is best for you. Everyone’s ‘comfortable’ looks and feels different – if you have any questions about what to expect, get in touch with the friendly team at Orchestras Central at support@orchestras.org.nz, and we’ll happily chat about what you can expect.
  
• Are we allowed to make noise, or move around? 
  Yes, absolutely! Our wonderful host and guide will encourage you to respond to the music in whatever way it moves you. Hum, sing, dance, or draw along to the music. We want you to feel comfortable to enjoy the experience.
  
• What kind of music will be played? 
  You can have a listen to our playlist of music before you arrive on the day, but in a nutshell, we’ll be playing instrumental classical music with string and woodwind instruments, and a harpsichord. There’s a variety of fast and slow music, mostly soft and calming with some upbeat music too, with each piece of music lasting between 3-5 mins.
  
• What if the music is too much, or if I don’t like what I’m hearing? 
  As much as we love music, sometimes it can get too much! So we’ve set up chill out breakout room for you to take the time if you need, while still feeling connected to the experience. Equally, if you don’t like some of the music you can pop in and out of the room as much as you like – we won’t be offended! 
  
• Will I distract the musicians if I make a noise or move around? 
  No, absolutely not! Our host and the musicians will be chatting to you throughout the performance, and want you to love the music as much as they do.
• LISTEN to our playlist here.