Frequently Asked Questions

Outdoor Performances

What happens if it rains the night of a concert?

Weather in Vermont changes very quickly. In general we will not move a concert inside unless there is the threat of thunder and lightning, high winds or consistent and heavy downpours. Please take this into consideration as you are packing your picnic for the evening.

We will not make a final decision about moving to the rainsite until late in the afternoon on the day of the concert. As soon as a final decision is made we will post the information here on our website, and provide it to Vermont Public Radio at 88.7, 89.5, 88.5, 94.3, 94.5, 107.9 FM OR WCVT 101.7. You can also call our office to get information (802) 862-7352, however, please remember that many people will be trying to contact our office so be patient. In the event that the staff has already left for the site an automated message will be on our answering service and we will update that message regularly.

What happens if I lose my tickets?

If you lose your tickets to a performance we can replace those tickets for you. However, there is a $2 per ticket fee to replace lost tickets. Please keep your tickets in a safe place to avoid any inconvenience or added expense.

Can I exchange my tickets?

Tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded. Please review your tickets carefully when you receive them to insure that they are the tickets you ordered. If not, please contact the Vermont Mozart Festival office immediately so that we may correct any mistakes we have made.

Where can I buy my tickets?

You can buy your tickets right here on our secure website. If you prefer to order tickets by phone, please call us at (802) 862-7352. Box office hours are 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. You can also stop by our office at 3 Main Street in Burlington during Box Office Hours on non-concert days. Our box office is closed on concert days, and tickets are only available at our concert site once gates have opened.

Where should I park?

Parking at most Vermont Mozart Festival sites is limited so we suggest that you come in as few vehicles as possible. At all of our outdoor locations, volunteers will be available to help park your car.

For concerts at the South Porch at Shelburne Farms, parking is very limited so some patrons will have to be shuttled to the site. Limited on-site parking passes are available for purchase and are the only way to gain admission for you and your vehicle.
For all of the indoor sites, parking is available in parking lots and garages near the concert location. Parking on the street is also an option. Please be sure to leave plenty of time to find parking for these concerts.
Please remember as you are leaving the sites that in some cases as many as 2,000 people are trying to exit at the same time. Our volunteers are doing their best to get everyone out in a timely and safe manner so please be patient.

What time do concerts begin?

In the summer, most concerts begin between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. with the gates opening for picnicking about 2 hours prior to that. However, times may vary for special performances. Please read your tickets carefully to insure your timely arrival to the concerts.

How long are the concerts?

All concerts are generally two hours in length including an intermission.

Can I bring food and beverages to the outdoor concerts?

ABSOLUTELY! We encourage you to pack a picnic supper and come to the sites early to enjoy the wonderful settings and dine alfresco.

What should I wear to the Vermont Mozart Festival?

Wear whatever makes you comfortable! The Vermont Mozart Festival is a casual setting. At concerts, you'll see concertgoers in slacks, light summer dresses, khakis, shorts, everything! Just make sure you are prepared when the sun goes down. Vermont evenings can get chilly.

When should I clap?

Generally, it is considered proper concert etiquette to clap only after a piece is complete. This means that, for example, if you're listening to Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, which has four movements, it is appropriate to clap after the last movement. You can look at your program book to find out how many movements a particular piece has. Usually, there is a 15 to 30-second pause between movements. So, in the case of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, you know you're hearing the Finale after three pauses. If all else fails, you can always wait for the rest of the audience to clap before applauding. Another good sign is when the conductor either turns around or steps off the podium.

What about other noises?

It is always best to turn off cell phones and pagers before the concert begins. Noises such as pagers going off or a cell phone ringing are very distracting to the conductor, the musicians and your fellow audience members, and are considered to be quite rude. Another alternative is to set the device to vibrate, so that if an important call is received, one can retreat to the back of the lawn to take care of the issue.
We strongly urge people not to carry on conversations during the performances. Voices carry quite far in an outdoor setting and can be very disruptive to the conductor, musicians and other audience members. Please enjoy each other's company during intermission and prior to the concert. Remember, you have come to a live musical performance!

Can I bring my children to the concerts?

Children under seven are not encouraged to attend our regular concerts - the programs tend to be too long for children. However, our special family concert series has been designed especially for children and families.

Can I bring my dog to the Vermont Mozart Festival?

NO. Animals are not allowed at the Vermont Mozart Festival. However, service animals for the disabled are allowed. Please contact the Vermont Mozart Festival in advance if any accommodations are required.

Are there provisions for people with disabilities?

Accessibility services can be requested when ordering tickets through the Vermont Mozart Festival box office at 802-862-7352. Performances have drop-off areas and limited (first-come-first-serve) accessible parking for vehicles displaying a disabled person placard or plate. Accessible seating is available at all venues. Site-specific accommodations are available; please call the box office for details. Assisted Listening Devices are available free of charge at all performances. Please check in at the Merchandise Tent when you arrive. Large print Program Guides are available upon request with 10 business days notice.
For TTY/TDD Assisted information - Call the State of Vermont relay system at 1-800-253-0195 (they can assist you in calling our office at 802-862-7352).

How do I get to the Vermont Mozart Festival?

The Vermont Mozart Festival takes place in a number of different locations throughout northwestern Vermont. Please see the section sites and directions for a list of directions, from Burlington, to all of our concert sites.

Can I take pictures?

The sites at the Vermont Mozart Festival are quite lovely so we do encourage you to bring your camera to photograph the surroundings, the sunset and your friends. However, we do ask that you DO NOT PHOTOGRAPH THE PERFORMANCE.

Indoor Performances

Are the seats reserved?

All concerts are general admission.

What are the best seats?

Well that depends on you and what you want. Some people like to be very close to the music and musicians. In terms of acoustics, all the seats should be very good, however many people like to sit about one-third of the way back. If you have any questions, the staff at the Vermont Mozart Festival office would be happy to help you select the best available seat for you.

What happens if I arrive late?

At indoor venues, patrons will be seated at an appropriate point by an usher. We regret that no refunds or price adjustments will be given to latecomers.