A
concert is a live
performance (typically of
music) before an
audience. The performance may be by a single
musician, sometimes then called a
recital, or by a
musical ensemble, such as an
orchestra, a
choir, or a musical band. Concerts are held in a wide variety and size of settings, from private
houses and small
nightclubs, dedicated
concert halls,
entertainment centres and
parks to large multipurpose buildings, and even sports
stadiums. Indoor concerts held in the largest venues are sometimes called "arena concerts" or "
amphitheatre concerts". Regardless of the venue, musicians usually perform on a
stage. Concerts often require
live event support with
professional audio equipment. Before recorded music, concerts would provide the only opportunity one would generally have to hear musicians play. Informal names for a concert include "show" and "
gig".