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Arts & Entertainment

Tweet Away: Long Beach Symphony Orchestra Unveils New Social Lounge

Long_Beach_Symphony.jpg
A soclial media lounge makes it debut at the Long Beach Symphony on Saturday. (Photo: LBSO/Facebook page)

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By Adrienne Dorsey/Special to LAist

Starting this Saturday, October 6, checking in on Facebook, Instagramming and live tweeting at the symphony is no longer a faux pas at the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra.

Making its debut on opening night during a program that includes Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3 and Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5, is the LBSO Balcony Club—a relaxed social lounge where guests are encouraged to kick back and enjoy the show. Members can bring drinks into the concert hall, use their smart phones (on silent and only non-flash photography) and come late or leave early without shame.

"The Balcony Club is a great way for people to check out our orchestra without some of the barriers that people may have perceived in the past," said Rick Berry, LBSO director of marketing. "The price is right and the atmosphere is casual and friendly."

Designed to make the classical music experience more accessible and less stuffy for a new generation, the Terrace Theatre balcony has been transformed into a modern lounge complete with drink specials and an informal vibe. Attendees can watch the performance in the Terrace Theatre or mix and mingle in the Balcony Club while watching the symphony live on plasma screens.

LBSO Balcony Club opening night tickets: $20 each, or two for $35.

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