Boston Symphony gives out iPads at Friday concerts

In a bid to attract younger audiences, the orch will supply some concertgoers with iPads, giving access to a range of information, entertainment and different video angles on the orchestra.

Good idea.

press release:

On Friday, January 15, the Boston Symphony Orchestra launches “Casual Fridays,” a new audience initiative designed to make concerts more affordable and accessible for the next generation of attendees. “Casual Friday” performances will be offered on three Friday-evenings during the 2015-16 season, January 15, February 12, and March 18, with significantly reduced ticket prices ranging from $25 to $45. In addition, for the first time ever at Symphony Hall, the BSO is doing a pilot project to experiment with iPad content as a way to enhance the concert experience, providing 110 devices to be used by patrons seated in a designated section at the rear of the orchestra floor. “Casual Fridays” also introduce audiences to the people behind the music through informal conversations; on January 15, BSO bass trombonist James Markey will speak to the audience from the Symphony Hall stage. (Speakers for the February 12 and March 18 programs will be announced at a later date.) This new concert series also encourages concert-goers to wear their favorite casual attire to Symphony Hall, and to mingle and share their experiences at a pre-concert reception and a post-concert gathering in Higginson Hall, where live music, snacks, and a cash bar will be offered.

FURTHER DETAILS ON iPADS AT SYMPHONY HALL
Designed to enhance the listening experience, the BSO-provided iPads will feature digital content exclusive and relevant to that evening’s performance, including video interviews with the featured soloists; video podcasts focused on biographical information about the composers; scores of the pieces being performed; and videos explaining the evening’s musical works, including (for the January 15 program) an analysis of the music being performed, a harp demonstration, and a synopsis of thePetrushka story. Patrons seated in this designated area will also have the chance to get a close-up look at the conductor from the orchestra’s point of view through special video screens that will be set up on both sides of the hall. The BSO was the first orchestra to provide extensive digital content to patrons for use during concerts through orchestra-provided tablets with the launch of its Lawncast program at Tanglewood in Summer 2014.