I've never been to an Indian classical concert. What should I expect?

What to expect at an Indian classical concert with KalaSudha: you arrive at the door time, show the QR code on your ticket and take your seat. The concert runs about 2 to 2½ hours in two halves with a short interval, and the music opens slow and quiet.

Each section below gives the short answer and links to the full article. For the music itself, read I'm new to Indian classical music. Where do I start?

When should I arrive?

Arrive at the door time on the event page. Times are UK local time. A raga programme opens with the alap, so if you come on time you hear the raga from its first notes. Find your concert on the events page, and read When should I arrive? for more.

Show your ticket at the door

Your ticket PDF has one QR code per ticket, with the words "Scan at the entrance" under it. Show it on your phone or printed, and our staff scan it. Each person needs their own ticket's code. Read Show your ticket at the door, and if you cannot find the email, Find your tickets after booking.

Finding your seat

Seating varies by venue. Some concerts have reserved seats that you pick at booking. Others have zones, where you sit anywhere in your zone, or unreserved seating, where you take any free seat on arrival. The ticket options on the booking page show which, and a reserved-seat ticket shows your seat.

Read Is my seat reserved, or do I sit anywhere?

How long is it, and is there an interval?

A KalaSudha concert lasts about 2 to 2½ hours, in two halves with a short interval. The first half holds the classical raga set. The second half often brings different players or a different form, and the event page gives the line-up with the exact start and finish times. Read How long is a KalaSudha concert? or Is there an interval?

Phones and photos

Switch your phone off or to silent before the music starts, and keep texting for the interval. A lit screen shows from the stage. Cameras and phones stay down while the musicians play.

At the end of the concert, we encourage photos and short clips. We do not allow long-form recording of the music for public release, in any form. For press or other recording, write to [email protected] before the day. Read Can I take photos or film at a KalaSudha concert? or the FAQ Can I photograph or film the performance?

How the music starts

A raga opens with the alap, a slow section with no pulse. On an instrument the jor follows, with a steady pulse, and the tabla enters with the composition. That is why the first minutes are slow and quiet.

You need no theory to follow them. Read I have never been to an Indian classical concert. Will I follow it? Our glossary of Indian classical music explains the terms you will hear.

When do I clap?

Clap at the end of each piece. A soft "wah" or brief applause at a striking moment is normal. If you are unsure, wait for the end of the piece, and stay silent while the musicians tune. Read When should I clap at an Indian classical concert?

What should I wear?

There is no dress code. Many people dress up, and you will see jeans and saris at the same concert. Wear something comfortable to sit in for two hours. Read the FAQ What should I wear?

Can I bring children?

Yes. All ages are welcome. Every child needs a ticket, and under-16s come with an adult. Read Can I bring children to a KalaSudha concert?

What if I am late?

You can still come in. Wait, then take your seat at a natural pause between pieces. Read What if I arrive late to a KalaSudha concert?

Access needs and travel

If you have access needs or come with a carer, read Book with access needs or bring a carer and the FAQ I have access needs. Who do I talk to? Travel and parking details sit in the venue section of each event page.

Get help

For anything this page does not answer, email [email protected] or use the contact page. We reply within one working day. See Contact us.