FAQs

How do I book a ticket?

There are two easy ways to book tickets for our concerts.  To book individual tickets to a specific concert at the Auckland Town Hall, head to THE EDGE box office online at buytickets.co.nz or by calling 0800 BUY TICKETS.  Tickers for concerts at other venues may use a different ticketing agency, but you can always call our ticketing office (09-6231052) for assistance or advice.

If you would like to book four or more tickets, this can be done through our own friendly box office.  You will instantly become classed as an APO Subscriber giving you access to a raft of great benefits.   For more information, head to our Purchase Tickets  page.

 

What is a series?

A series is a set of pre-grouped concerts that you can purchase as a package. For example the APN News & Media Premier Series is a set of 12 concerts, all in the Auckland Town Hall at 8.00pm.  You can choose to buy all concerts in a  series, or just select the ones t hat appeal to you.  Again, please contact our ticketing office for advice.

 

What is a subscriber?

A subscriber is a patron who takes advantage of one of the multi-concert packages available in the Season Brochure. Subscribers get benefits such as a priority booking period, cheaper ticket prices and discounts on programme books – plus a subscriber card, which offers special benefits from several of our sponsors.

 

What should I wear to a concert?

Whatever makes you comfortable. Formal evening wear is not required at APO concerts. Smart casual is the general rule but you will see everything from jeans and sweaters to suits and evening wear, if people are attending a special function before or after the concert.  Matinée and outdoor concerts in other venues are usually much more casual. For indoor concerts you are required to wear some sort of footwear.

 

When should I applaud?

Audiences only applaud at the end of a complete piece, not between movements. Symphonies and concertos generally have three or four “movements” that make up the complete piece, so you only clap at the end of all the movements, not in between. Look at your programme book to find out how many movements a piece has. Usually there is a noticeable pause in between movements, but not always. If you’re not sure, the best idea is to wait until the rest of the audience starts clapping!

 

Will there be an interval?

Yes, at the majority of concerts there is an interval of about 20 minutes.  This will give you a chance to buy refreshments and stretch your legs if needed.

 

How can I learn more about the music?

There are FREE pre-concert talks one hour before each APN News & Media Premier, Great Classics, and Splendour Series concerts, and also before the Westpac Opera in Concert and the Choral Masterpieces performance. These are held in the Supper Room of the Auckland Town Hall. There are also detailed notes in the programme book for each concert.  If you want a taster of the pieces before you come along, try looking them up on Youtube.

 

What about noises such as mobile phones and coughing?

Please turn off your mobile phone, pager, watch alarm or any audible device BEFORE the concert begins. Noises such as a phone ringing are very distracting to the conductor, musicians, and other audience members.  Please also remember that the light from your mobile phone is distracting to those sitting close to you, so please refrain from texting until the concert has finished.

You can’t help a cough but please if you have one, bring lozenges, and try to hold the cough for the end of a movement or a noisy bit! A handkerchief often helps muffle the noise. There is nothing wrong with getting up and leaving the concert hall until the end of the movement if your cough won’t stop.

 

Where can I find out more about the players?

If you head to the About the APO page of this website, you can read more about the orchestra members, plus our Music Director and Composer-In-Residence.

 

I want to make a night of it – is there anywhere good to eat nearby?

There are hundreds of eateries in Central Auckland to choose from.  Elloitt Stables (39 Elliott Street) is close by, and a favourite among APO staff is El Faro – plus if you hold an APO Subscriber card, you are entitled to 10% off tapas there.

 

Where can I park when I come to the Town Hall?

The Civic Car Park is the closest.  You can pre-book parking  by phoning THE EDGE on 0800 BUY TICKETS. (Transaction fee may apply. Parking spaces available from 6pm.)

 

Is there wheelchair access and hearing impaired facilities at Auckland Town Hall?

Yes.  There is lift or ramp access to all levels of the Auckland Town Hall Foyers. Wheelchairs can be accommodated in the Stalls level of the Great Hall. Please advise ticketing staff when booking if you require these positions.

An Induction Loop System is available with full coverage in most seats. Just tune your Hearing Aid to the T Position.
For any questions relating to THE EDGE venues or patrons services go to www.the-edge.co.nz “Your Visit” or ph (09) 307 5060.

 

I really enjoyed the concert – how can I further support the APO?

There are many ways you can support the APO, from donating through our Annual Appeal or Chair Donor Scheme, becoming a member of the APO Friends or Guild, or simply coming to more of our concerts!  You may also like to take the opportunity to use an APO concert to do some corporate entertaining.  Head to our Support the APO page to find out more.

 

How can I keep up to date with what is happening at the APO?

Subscribe to the monthly APO E-Newsletter for updates on all that’s happening at the APO, plus monthly competitions and ticket offers.  You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for up to the minute news.

 

How can I work for the APO?

Keep an eye on our Job Opportunities page.  All positions, whether they are orchestral or administrative will appear here.