Learning About the Cape Symphony

Unless you’ve spent a lot of time on Cape Cod before moving here, you might be surprised to learn that we have a professional symphony. Not only that, but the Cape Symphony plays in a large venue and features some of the most talented artists not only in New England but anywhere in the country.

After you buy a home on Cape Cod, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get out there and see the Cape Symphony perform live because there are shows throughout the fall, winter, and spring every year, and they also play special events in the summer.

If classical music is your thing, or if you enjoy a night out at the theater, have a look at the schedule of events for the Cape Symphony this year. It’ll be hard to find better value anywhere on the east coast, considering the high level of these performances.

Information on the Venue

All performances by the Cape Cod Symphony during the season take place at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center in Hyannis, which is part of Barnstable High School. This 1400-seat concert hall is one of the top music venues on the Cape and one of the largest theaters of its type in New England. This center is a place that you'll surely want to visit after moving to the area because of the high-level performances that take place there.

To reach the center, from places like Sandwich, Yarmouth, Brewster, Orleans, Truro, and Provincetown, you'll take Route 6 until you get to Barnstable, before heading south towards Hyannis. From Chatham, Harwich, Dennis Port, Mashpee, Falmouth, and other places on the south side of Cape Cod, you can take Route 28 right to the venue. There is a large, free parking lot on three sides of the building, so it's never difficult to find a space.

This Season's Events

This season’s performances are sure to impress the crowds, as the Symphony will be presenting adaptations of some well-known scores from around the world. Make sure you buy your tickets early if you are interested because they’ll likely go fast.

The 2018/2019 season got started in September with a performance called “Passport to America: The Immigrant Story”, which was an innovative collaboration with actors from the Cotuit Center for the Arts that told the stories of immigrants arriving in the United States for the first time throughout the 20th century.

On November 3 and 4, the Cape Symphony will present “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” by Amadeus Mozart, which might be his most famous work. It's the first time the Symphony has ever done this particular production by Mozart, so it's sure to be a successful couple of nights at the theater.

On January 19 and 20, “Opera Without Words” will take the stage. This show will include performances of Richard Wagner's “The Ring” and Georges Bizet's “Carmen” by Ji-Hae Park, an international superstar violinist. As the title of the show suggests, the entire opera will take place without the use of words.

April 6 and 7 mean that “Beethoven Unleashed” will take to the stage at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center. This unique interpretation of “Symphony No. 1” will have the entire orchestra on its feet throughout the performance, while renowned pianist Martina Filjak takes the center of the stage.

Finally, May 4 and 5 marks the end of the 2018/2019 season with “Legendary Love Stories”, featuring music from Tchaikovsky’s adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet”, Sergei Rachmaninoff's “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini”, and Maurice Ravel's “Daphnis and Chloe”. You're sure to recognize most of the music if you head out for this magical night and it will make for the perfect date night just as spring comes into full effect on the Cape.

Outside of the regular season schedule, the Cape Symphony will also be putting on a Christmas performance on November 30 and December 1 and 2. There will be two shows on each of these days, so you'll have plenty of chances to get out there and enjoy the music. Holiday favorites like “I'll Be Home For Christmas”, “Silver Bells”, “Let It Snow”, and “Joy To The World” always sound better when performed live and you're sure to love these shows leading up to the most festive time of the year.

If you’re interested in checkout out some concerts, you can either purchase a season’s pass, a multi-event pass, or individual show tickets, depending on your interests. Tickets are available online, making it easy to grab whatever you need.

Making an Evening of It

As far as times go, the Friday night shows start at 7:30 PM, while the Saturday shows get started at 3:00 PM. This timing gives you the chance to make an evening of it in a couple of different ways, as you can head for dinner before or after the performance, depending on which day you attend.

For dining options, Misaki Sushi is about a two-minute drive from the venue, while downtown Hyannis, home to the Roadhouse Cafe, Tap City Grille, Seaside Pub On Main, Naked Oyster Bistro & Raw Bar, and Alberto's Ristorante, is also just minutes from the venue.

After heading out for dinner, you’ll also find yourself close to Hyannis Harbor, home to a couple of peaceful parks, a few places to stop for a drink, and a nice path along the water. As with anything else on Cape Cod, there’s always something to do before or after hitting up a performance at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center.

Attending a Show

Before visiting the theater, it’s a good idea to learn about the etiquette, dress code, and other local customs. Most attendees wear business or business casual clothing, so there's no need to get dressed up. If you enjoy wearing your finest garments, however, don't be shy about it because there will be other concert-goers doing the same.

Shows are usually between an hour and a half and two hours long. There is an intermission about halfway through the show and you can buy refreshments in the lobby, but can't take them into the hall. Doors to the venue open 40 minutes before it gets started and it is recommended that you arrive at least 30 minutes early to find your seat because if you're late, you won't be seated until there’s a break in the action.

Remember, the Cape Symphony is all about having fun and listening to some incredibly talented musicians right here on Cape Cod, so enjoy each moment you spend at this wonderful venue in the company of other music lovers.