Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t know a lot about classical music. Will I enjoy the concerts?
You don’t need to be a classical music expert to enjoy a BCO concert. Come with open ears and allow the sounds to carry you into the musical magic! If you’d like some background information, feel free to explore the About the Music page on this website where you’ll find notes about the programs and links to video and audio recordings. You can also learn more by attending our pre-concert talks that start at 2:15pm before each concert.
What time should I arrive for the concert?
Plan to arrive at least 15-20 minutes before the concert to find parking and select your seat(s). Even better, join us at 2:15 for an informative and entertaining pre-concert talk by 91.5 FM WBJC radio host Jonathan Palevsky.
What happens if I arrive late?
Our house manager or an usher will escort you to seats at a natural break in the music, usually at the end of a movement or piece being performed.
Is there adequate parking at your concert venues?
Yes. Goucher College has ample, free, safe parking directly outside of Kraushaar Auditorium. You can view a detailed Goucher College campus map here.
How can I buy tickets?
You can buy tickets on this website (www.thebco.org), by phone at (410) 685-4050, or at the Box Office on the day of the concert. We accept cash, checks, or credit card payments.
If I have ordered my tickets in advance, when will they arrive?
If you placed an order by phone or online, your purchase receipt includes a PDF with your tickets that you can print at home or add to your phone’s digital wallet. Physical tickets will also be available for pick up from the on site Box Office on the day of a concert.
What happens if I lose my tickets?
If you lose your tickets before the concert, please let us know and we will email you replacement tickets. We will also have back ups available for pick up on the day of the concert.
What if I can’t make it to the concert?
All BCO tickets are non-refundable, however, they can be transferred to a future concert so you can bring a friend to a BCO performance.
Do you have seating for people with disabilities?
Yes. Kraushaar Auditorium has an accessible entrance at ground level right across from the vehicle drop off area that leads directly to the auditorium’s wheelchair accessible seating area.
Are all students REALLY admitted to concerts free of charge?
YES! We think it’s vital to share the joy of classical music with young people to help cultivate the next generation of music lovers. Thanks to donations from our community of supporters, anyone of student age or with a valid student ID can attend any BCO concert at no cost.
What is the appropriate age for a child to attend a concert?
We suggest concerts for children ages 6+ but there is no age restriction. Children should be able to sit quietly during the concert without causing a distraction for other patrons.
How long are the concerts?
Concerts are approximately 2 hours, including one, 20-minute intermission.
How should I dress?
You should dress however you’re comfortable. Some people may dress formally for afternoon concerts but most feel comfortable with business-casual attire.
When should I applaud?
There are no set rules for when you should applaud, though it is traditional to clap at the end of a piece of music, as opposed to after each movement. This is to help the program move smoothly or to set the scene for the following movement. Your program will tell you how many movements there are in a full work. If in doubt, keep an eye on the conductor who will usually provide a signal that the piece has ended. If you are really unsure, the best plan is to wait for others to start clapping. If you’re the only one clapping, don’t worry about it. We love when our audience expresses their enthusiasm for our performances!