Seen while perusing the NYT archive.

Are there still major orchestras that hold public rehearsals?

In my life I've encountered one, but it seems to have been a common thing at one time.

I wonder what this was like, given the lesser ability of section players back then. Do you suppose they charged admission for it?

I used to go listen to Boston Symphony when they were right across the street from the conservatory. Huge education just knowing how to listen to great players.

I have a friend who was able to pay to play horn with the Baltimore Symphony, as an adult. That's a different level of open rehearsal, but according to him it was an incredible experience.

Dress rehearsals for a lot of "cultural" organizations were often made open for school children. I remember growing up in New York City we could go to rehearsals of the Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Only requirement was to sit down and be quiet.

One time the New York City Opera allowed photography enthusiasts to a rehearsal but they kicked us out because of the excessive noise of the cameras.

I love watching recordings of rehearsals. Mainly Bernstein comes to mind, and I've seen quite a lot of clips form Dudamel.

Hearing the minor differences that the conductor is asking for. How the players change a rhythm, articulation, or blending.

With the zero conducting experience I have, I've always wondered how much difference the small changes behind the bell make for the conductor and audience.

Lots of orchestras have open rehearsals - we do it here. NYP still does it - I got to see the dress rehearsal for the premiere of the Rouse - Trombone Concerto in NY. I had a flight later that day, so it was the only possibility for me. Another time when I was back in NY, I caught the dress rehearsal of Bolero.

Our management targets seniors and school groups as an audience for the open dress rehearsals, but I believe anyone can purchase a ticket for them. The cost is usually less than what an actual concert costs, and often the seats that are close to the stage are not available to help make sure that there isn't any noise that might disrupt the actual rehearsing. For most professional orchestras, the dress rehearsal is quite close to a concert - most of the rehearsing has been done in the previous sessions.

Jim Scott