Frequently asked questions to concertbase
The answers from all pages in one place, bundled by topic. Every group points to the page where the topic is covered in full. Figures are experience values from practice.
Inquiry and process
Is the inquiry free of charge?
Yes, a simple inquiry is free and without obligation. Optional paid services will be added later, for instance for extensive research. The simple inquiry stays free.
How quickly does concertbase reply?
Usually within two working days, with suggestions picked by hand, not compiled automatically. Where details are missing, we say so.
Does concertbase also organise coach, hotel and the travel schedule?
No. We match performance venues, rehearsal venues and performance opportunities, one service per inquiry. For transport, accommodation or a complete travel package we can name specialised partners on request.
Concert tours
How much lead time does a concert tour with two or three performances need?
As a rule of thumb, venues should be requested nine to twelve months before departure. Churches and concert series decide in committees that meet monthly, and popular dates in the concert season go early.
What does a venue on a concert tour cost?
Anything from the collection in a church, to an expense allowance, to a hall hire with technical staff. Many parishes and spa administrations include guest ensembles in their programme without a hire fee.
Does an audience come to a guest performance at all?
The audience comes from the place, not from afar. That is why we prefer venues that bring their own audience: parishes with a concert tradition, spa concerts, town festivals, partner ensembles for a joint concert.
How many concerts fit into a four-day concert tour?
As a rule of thumb for amateur ensembles no more than three performances in four days, one of them short. More wears on voices, mood and programme.
Church concerts
Can you hire a church for a concert?
Usually a church is not hired but made available: the parish provides the room, the concert runs on a collection or with a contribution towards heating, verger and cleaning. A fixed hire fee is common at churches with their own concert operation.
Which programme suits a church?
Sacred and classical programmes are welcome everywhere. Secular repertoire, jazz or wind music are possible in many parishes if agreed beforehand.
How long does it take for a church to confirm?
As a rule of thumb four to twelve weeks, because parish councils and church boards usually meet monthly. For dates in Advent and Lent, allow a year of lead time.
Who reports the concert to the collecting society?
Whoever acts as promoter: the parish if the concert takes place in its series, or your ensemble if you invite yourselves.
Rehearsal weekends
What does a rehearsal weekend cost per person?
As a rule of thumb for two nights with full board in education centres, music academies and youth hostels a low to mid three-figure amount per person, depending on region, room standard and season. Room hire comes on top depending on the house.
How far in advance does a rehearsal house need to be booked?
Good houses are booked six to twelve months ahead at weekends, especially between January and April. During the week and in summer something is free at shorter notice.
Is there a piano at the rehearsal house?
In music academies yes, usually several. In education centres and youth hostels often a piano in the main hall, not always in tune. We ask about the instrument and the date of the last tuning with every suggestion.
Choirs
Which concert venues suit a choir?
Churches with medium reverberation for sacred and classical programmes, halls with dry acoustics for gospel, jazz and pop, abbey churches for a cappella and early music, market stages for short sets with a passing audience.
How much reverberation can a choir concert take?
As a rule of thumb, two to three seconds carry choral sound and keep the text intelligible. Baroque hall churches with five seconds and more call for slow tempi. Halls under one second sound dry.
For organisers
What does it cost to book a wind band or a choir?
Many amateur ensembles perform for an expense allowance that covers travel costs and catering, some for hospitality and applause. Semi-professional groups name a fee. You agree fee and running order directly with the ensemble.
How much lead time does a call need?
Three to six months is a good frame. Ensembles plan their season between November and February. A short-notice request is still worth it.
What does the matching cost?
A simple call and the suggestions cost you nothing. There is no obligation to book one of the suggested ensembles.
For venues
What does the listing cost?
The basic listing is free of charge, permanently: being found, receiving inquiries, maintaining the profile yourself. Optional paid services are planned for later; the free basic listing is not affected by that.
Do we have to accept every inquiry?
No. You decide on every inquiry yourself. We match, we oblige you to nothing.
Who sees our contact details?
Inquiries run through us. We pass on your direct contact details only once you agree to an inquiry.
Can we have our listing removed?
Yes, at any time. An informal email is enough; we remove the listing without further questions.
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