Nah no chit chat, except during the intermission. It's a presentation like a movie, only not as long and it's live music and drinks. Plus it gives biches a chance to dress up, and it's a departure from the standard dinner and a movie. Usually, I'll pick a symphony that has a composer I know something about, so I can lean in and kick a little knowledge in-between movements. Women love it. You'll probably like it too. Like I said it's not boring or pretentious like the ballet or the opera. And it's pretty inexpensive. Give it a shot.
Edit: Also makes a GREAT X-mas date because they usually do holiday themed music around Nov / Dec. Look for "Holiday Pops" or the like at your local symphony.