Plan Your Masterworks Experience
We are excited to welcome you to the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra’s Masterworks Series. Here’s everything you need to know so you can relax and enjoy the music.
Directions & Parking
Masterworks concerts take place at Festival Concert Hall in Challey Hall, on the NDSU campus at the corner of 12th Ave. N and Bolley Drive, Fargo.
Free parking is available in lots T1 and T2, located just south and west of the hall.
What to Wear
There is no dress code. Some concertgoers like to dress up in jackets, ties, or dresses while many choose business casual or everyday attire. What matters most is that you feel comfortable and ready to enjoy the music.
When to Arrive
The lobby opens one hour before the concert with beverage service including wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks.
If you are buying tickets at the door, the box office also opens one hour before and lines can be long, so plan ahead.
Pre-Concert Talks with Music Director Christopher Zimmerman begin 45 minutes before each Masterworks concert in Beckwith Hall, located just off the main lobby. He shares insights about the evening’s program and often welcomes special guests and soloists. It is a wonderful way to learn more about the music before the performance.
Concerts begin promptly. Late seating is allowed during pauses in the music, but some pieces do not allow late entry.
Seating
Festival Concert Hall offers a variety of seating options to accommodate your needs. The main floor includes wheelchair and accessible seating, which is clearly marked on our seating map. Please note that some sections on the main floor do require one or two stairs to reach.
An elevator provides access to the second floor balcony, but balcony seating still requires the use of stairs.
If you have questions about which seats will work best for you, please call our office at 701-478-3676. We would love to help you find the seating that is most comfortable and accessible for your visit..
Beverages
Come early and enjoy a beverage in our lobby. We offer beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase starting one hour before the concert. You can also pre-order a drink so it is ready for you at intermission. Please note that food and drinks are not permitted inside the concert hall.
Concert Length
Masterworks concerts usually run about two hours with an intermission midway through.
When to Applaud
Not sure when to clap? Many orchestra works, particularly symphonies or concertos, have three or more sections called movements, each followed by a brief pause. Audience members generally refrain from clapping after a movement since the piece is not yet finished.
At the concert, turn to the program page in your program book to see how many movements (often indicated by tempo markings in Italian) each piece contains. After the last movement, feel free to applaud! Enthusiasm is appreciated by the musicians and your fellow audience members.
Children at Masterworks
Children are welcome at Masterworks concerts. Each child needs their own ticket. For families, a windowed “Cry Room” is available at the back of the hall if little ones need a break. You will still be able to see and hear the performance comfortably.
Have a question that hasn’t been answered? Call our office at 701-478-3676, e-mail info@fmsymphony.org, or stop by the ticket counter the day of the concert.
Note - Rehearsals are not open to the public, including the dress rehearsal. For special requests to attend a rehearsal, please e-mail lucas@fmsymphony.org.