Frequently Asked
Questions
What is period performance?
At a Boston Baroque performance, you may notice that the instruments you see onstage look and sound different from traditional orchestral instruments. That’s because Boston Baroque performs on period instruments. The technology and materials available to instrument makers during the 17th and 18th centuries were different than what we use today—the instruments we play on are historical instruments or replicas of instruments that were used during the time in which the music was composed.
What does period performance sound like?
Performances on period instruments are often described as "transparent." When you listen to a Boston Baroque performance or recording, you’ll hear a beautiful blend of sounds—every line in the detailed, complex music of the Baroque and even of Mozart and Beethoven can be heard. These are the kinds of instruments that these composers wrote for. But it's not just the instruments that make our performances sound the way they do. Boston Baroque musicians—our orchestra and our chorus—use what we know of the articulate and highly nuanced earlier performing styles. The result is that musical lines sparkle with a crystalline clarity, and the music is expressive, dramatic and exciting.
How long are your concerts and are there intermissions?
Concert times vary performance to performance and are listed on our concert detail pages. Some performances include a 20-minute intermission and others have no intermission.
Is there a dress code?
Boston Baroque has no formal dress code, and we encourage audiences to come as they are. For some people, this means dressing up in formal wear like suits and dresses, and for others, this means coming in casual clothing like jeans and a t-shirt.
When do I applaud?
We encourage our audiences to applaud when they feel inspired to do so. You’ll find most audiences applaud at the end of each individual work, after a fantastic solo, and at the end of the performance.
Are children allowed at Boston Baroque performances?
Yes! Boston Baroque welcomes families to attend our concerts, and we often have multiple generations in attendance, from grandparent to grandchild. Boston Baroque leaves it up to the discretion of the parent(s) to decide if their child(ren) is/are able to attend a program, as each individual and family are different.