Zurich orders concertgoers to wear masks

Zurich orders concertgoers to wear masks

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norman lebrecht

August 14, 2020

There has been no rush to return to the Tonhalle in Zurich, which is hardly surprising since the audience is probably the most senior and wealthiest on earth. In order to allay their fears, masks become compulsory from next week.

‘We noticed that the public is unsure,’ said director Ilona Schmiel in a press release. ‘So we’ve decided to pay more attention to the health of our guests, and that includes wearing a mask.’

We’ll let you know if that works.

 

 

 

Comments

  • Ken says:

    Viel Glückgut.

  • Dennis says:

    If there were to be any concerts near me in the near future that I might like to attend, the forced face diaper and anti-social distancing regimes will make me decide otherwise.

    Just not worth the hassle of going to an actual concert under such conditions. With plenty of performance DVDs, (thousands more easily accessed on YouTube), and over 20,000 iTunes tracks on phone and computer (and millions more at hand on Idagio), I have plenty of music to enjoy without the inanities and inconveniences involved in trying to go to a concert (or most anywhere other than the park) during this time (apparently never-ending) of Coronaparanoia.

    • Brian says:

      Enjoy the outstanding sound on your phone and computer, Dennis.

      • Dennis says:

        DO you really think, I listen to music using the tiny speaker son my computer and iPhone/iPad? Ridiculous.

        I plug the iPad into my Yamaha receiver with Bose speaker system to stream lossless Idagio tracks. And when listening on phone while out walking or something, I use Sony WH1000XM3 headphones.

    • Armchair Bard says:

      Dennis. We too would rather you stay at home. Especially if you might want to bring the kids along; since – just a hunch here – they likely will not have had their vaccinations. And either way, tinfoil hats are simply too distracting at the symphony.

      • Dennis says:

        You sound like the type who actually would wear a tinfoil hat if some brainless politician issued a mandate claiming it was good for your health.

    • Dennis says:

      Stay home.

    • Brian says:

      Maybe there’s a Trump rally you can attend instead. He’s clearly not enforcing such burdensome health measures.

      • Dennis says:

        I despise Trump and all politicians. These measures are pure theatre and virtue signalling, and have nothing to do with health.

    • Pierre says:

      Oh jeez, I am so sorry for you and the forced face diaper the industry is forcing on you.

      I wish we could say that we’re better off without you coming to the concerts, but sadly this isn’t the case. Just know Dennis, that while you’ll be conveniently listening to music at home, lounging contently on your La-Z-Boy sleeper sofa (don’t kid yourself – your iTunes and Idagio streams don’t have any financial impact), a lot of independent artists and orchestras would be very happy to have you attend their concert(s) and support the oh so very fragile cultural economy. Musicians need all the help we can get for the moment.

      • Dennis says:

        If they want to complain about the loss of their livelihoods, they should look to the media and politicians inducing this perpetual state of fear and paranoia – and attendant totalitarian “health measures” – over a virus with an IFR in the range of flu.

    • Larry D says:

      Is “Coronaparanoia” right-wing speak for the Coronavirus pandemic?

    • Hmus says:

      It is people with YOUR attitude who are making concerts impossible.

      • Dennis says:

        Ah, yes, I’m the one exaggerating the threat from a virus with an IFR in the range of flu and shutting down concert venues and other aspects of sane, normal, functioning life!! Are you really that thick?

  • Mustafa Kandan says:

    It is remarkable enough that performances are taking place in Europe. In Australia, except for the state of Victoria, infection rates are much lower, yet there are no performances in any foreseeable future.

  • fflambeau says:

    In Switzerland, an order will be obeyed. Trust me.

    • Nobody is ordering anyone to attend concerts. If someone chooses to attend, then the rules of the house must be followed.

      Even restaurants have the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason (within reason, of course). 🙂

      Why should it be different for concert venues?

  • Matt D says:

    Not a bad idea, with all the coughing between movements. And in general.

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