CBSO boss: I won’t change phone policy. I’ll megaphone it
OrchestrasLetter from the orchestra’s CEO Emma Stenning to a customer disturbed by use of phones in symphony concerts.
Dear [name redacted]
Thank you so much for your continued support of the CBSO. You are, and always will remain, our loyal, supportive friends and audiences.
Ahead of your priority booking for the 24/25 season we are writing to you directly about our policy for the use of mobile phones.
Over the past couple of weeks, there has been a lot of discussion in the media about our policy around the use of phones, and this has understandably caused concerns for some of you. Whilst much of our position has either been misrepresented or misreported, we are of course listening to, and reflecting on, the feedback, which we take very seriously.
To put your mind at ease, we are not encouraging filming at our concerts.
In fact, our policy simply states that audience members are welcome to capture something to remember their experience by at the appropriate moments – namely during applause breaks.
In addition to this, we plan to make the policy clear at the start of each concert, through a recorded message played before the orchestra goes on stage. This will set out when audience members will be able to take photos or video clips, and we hope that we will have this in place by Wednesday’s concert.
As a reminder, here is our phone policy, which is also printed in our programmes:
We are very happy for you to take photographs and short video clips at our concerts. We ask that you are mindful of disturbing artists and other audience members and suggest that you take pictures and videos during applause breaks. Please dim the brightness on your phone, and do not use your flash.
We also provide all programme notes and some song texts digitally, as both a cost-effective offer for audiences, and as a way of furthering our environmental commitments. Our Digital Programmes can be downloaded to phones and viewed during the performance. We are currently developing a ‘Concert Mode’ that will reduce the light emitted from the screen so that audience members can discretely look at their programme without disturbing those around them. Furthermore, we will be providing more surtitles for our forthcoming season, minimising the need for audiences to use their phone to read along.
Finally, I wanted to clarify our policy on drinks. Drinks that are purchased at Symphony Hall can be taken into the Hall in a plastic cup. This policy has been in place since the Hall re-opened post-covid and enables our audience, if they wish, to enjoy a drink whilst listening to the concert.
Our existing audiences are cherished and valued and are very much part of the Orchestra’s extended family. We recognise this and thank you for your involvement, engagement and support – whether that be through attending concerts, your financial gifts or indeed both. We hope that this update helps to clarify any concerns that you may have, and we can’t wait to share our Season of Joy with you.
Kindest regards,
Emma Stenning
Chief Executive
Mark Phillips
Player Chair
This is crazy.
Letter: “To put your mind at ease, we are not encouraging filming at our concerts.”
Policy: “We are very happy for you to take photographs and short video clips at our concerts.”
Does she really think we are that stupid?
She is digging an even digger hole for herself.
This absurd contradiction is extraordinary, isn’t it? As you say – she either thinks we are completely stupid (can she not see how insulting that is?), OR she is naive, OR she is digging heels in. It is, frankly, bizarre. Should such a person be CEO?
That’s exactly the problem: the ONLY thing such a person can be is CEO. They’re uniquely positioned not to have to care about others.
NO
Not surprising she is self-contradictory.She can’t even spell “discreetly”right.
It’s the smooth politician’s ploy–use bland phrases to soothe your hearers but don’t trouble to consider whether you’re contradicting yourself or not.
What an incredibly patronising way to treat a loyal audience. She has zero musical experience but speaks to music lovers in this way? Now I understand why she is so hated.
She doesn’t care at all does she? Every time she manages to alienate us further.
And lying by saying in one place they encourage filming but in another not?
Hi. This criticism of Emma is unacceptable. Under our recent Respectful Behaviour Policy we have the right to deny you access to future concerts if this behaviour continues.
This is not fair on Emma! Immature people keep making comments that are negative about her vision. I am so proud to be part of this and working with her on improving the CBSO.
She has inspirational plans starting with the “Season of Joy”. Classical music is boring and stuffy instead of inspirational. All of the older audience members who sit in silence watching concerts like goldfish? They are too closed-minded to understand that their concert experiences could be enhanced. Relax and unwind with a drink, share videos with friends and social media, combine the music with film? You need to trust the experts here like Emma.
She has to release all of these statements because sad people don’t listen to her words, they just keep complaining. Every time we improve the CBSO they scream and pretend they know more. Emma has theatre experience and people need to respect that.
We are losing our funding and you need to stop criticising her or else it will get worse! Running an orchestra is so expensive, we wrote this letter so you buy tickets for the “Season of Joy”. Do you know how much it costs to hire video projectors and technicians for a concert? Or keep our social media pages updated with posts of joy? Or write all of our policies and vision statements? The CBSO needs money and you must support us.
All of these people complaining are toxic and need to stop all criticism of Emma immediately. They are showing they care more about their classical music bubble instead of Emma’s future for the CBSO. Welcoming phones and drinks is one of the first steps towards the ‘5 Resolutions’ that will give the CBSO a true purpose. Surely that’s so much better than sitting down watching (mostly) old white men play boring music? The classical music world is years behind the theatre world and people get upset that Emma knows more than them. Get over it and stop the complaining because we’re getting sick of the constant negativity! If you keep ignoring the official policies then listen to me now instead. Thanks.
Where is your evidence that ‘the classical music world is years behind the theatre world’?
What on earth is that statement based on?
Do you really think that repeatedly talking of ‘boring old white men’ is going to help your cause?
You are causing further division and alienation.
To move forward you have to respect those who disagree with you. Many of them have, actually, argued their point in a respectful manner.
You talk of the trouble faced by the CBSO, but insulting the CBSO’s audience and repertoire in such a disgusting way (by alienating ‘boring old white men’) is not going to help your case.
The CBSO, and Emma, should really stop responding to all this. Get on with doing a job and lead the way forward.
Out of interest, I see that CBSO are playing the Chichester Psalms tonight. Will the audience be encouraged to sit and film the boy soprano soloist?
Has he, and his parents, given permission?
To put your mind at rest, the soprano soloist was not filmed. He sang beautifully and was much applauded at the end.
The concert was a great success with the orchestra on top form as usual.
Perhaps some commenters on here should turn off their computers and turn up to concerts a bit more.
Nice try, Emma.
Please stop this, you’re hurting us. We’re an orchestra and our job is to give the best music to our audiences. We don’t need to be a theatre or general entertainment venue.
Thank you, Emma, for this rather plodding piece of satirical ramblings. Though, to make your point I would suggest that you avoid the tired old trope of “old white men”. You may not realise it but not only is it a form of cultural appropriation but it actually ‘hurts’ many of us who are proud to be OWM’s and makes us feel unsafe. Please try to be a little more kind. “Emma” would be so much more self righteous if her supporters were.
At first I thought that this was meant to be an (unsuccessful) joke. But now I’m not so sure. If it’s meant to be serious, it is insulting and offensive, and goes against the recently announced guidelines.
Surely it’s a joke? If not……well I don’t know what to say
And I thought at first that it was serious. Now I am beginning to doubt, and think it might actually be a joke. Whatever. The point is that it is so atrociously written, whether by accident or design, that it is impossible to tell whether one from t’other.
Nonsense. She has made her own bed. As someone who gives quite a lot of cash to CBSO – she needs to be careful I don’t walk away. And others. None of this happened before she came. And this contradictory policy is absurd. “Season of Joy” – patronising – It sounds like children’s Christmas. Mahler 9 isn’t that. We aren’t 6. She is harming the orchestra – not us.
I completely Agree.
How completely surprising you agree. Sigh
Is this comment a joke? Is it someone having a laugh? I can’t believe that someone who genuinely works for the CBSO would write anything so crass and semi-literate.
If you think that a) this music is boring and that b) it’s bad to watch ‘old white men’, then you’re racist, ageist and a tone-deaf idiot to boot. No wonder contemporary theatre is such a crock of sh*t if it’s full of people like you and Stenning.
Review the comments from people on SD . They are mainly about why Karajan was a great conductor. They are mainly about how awful it is for – oh why go on.
This is a nasty and spiteful campaign fuelled by griefers. For clarity a griefer is someone who does nothing and contributes nothing to making our lives better, they just stand on the corner dripping poison.
I always enjoy your comments on SD, Donna. You are spot on.
Old white men?
Ageist, sexist and ludicrously inaccurate to the point of being complete balderdash.. At least a third of the orchestra are women. As for ‘old’. What do you define as old? Over 40?
Maybe you should take the time to go to a concert.
“Relax and unwind with a drink, share videos with friends and social media, combine the music with film?”
If I can have a pizza (with extra pepperoni) delivered to my seat during the performance, I’ll happily turn up to a CBSO concert.
Just to reassure those stuffy old dinosaurs, I’d put up with the pizza being delivered between movements, NOT when the band is playing.
Pretty good satire. Too good for some apparently.
Satire doesn’t really work here.
As I wrote above:
“And I thought at first that it was serious. Now I am beginning to doubt, and think it might actually be a joke. Whatever. The point is that it is so atrociously written, whether by accident or design, that it is impossible to tell whether one or t’other.”
I think there are enough readers on this site who can spot good satire. It would seem that half the people who have commented on this text think it is a jape; others think it is for real. Says everything about the text and the literary skills, or lack of, possessed by the writer, and nothing about the readers.
Symptomatic of so much that is wrong with the world now: the kiddies are in charge! You think everything came into being the day you were born, and that you are entitled to advise those with the wisdom of experience, rather than listening and learning from them, or acting on the fact that there is so much you don’t know, rather than assuming you know it all. You give your naive outlook away by talking about ‘boring’ music, as if any such thing would ever be offered in Symphony Hall. You think that joy means wearing party hats, squealing and jumping up and down with a bottle in your hand. Talk to some grown-ups. Find out what life is really about rather than gazing at your own reflection on social media. And grow up!
“You think that joy means wearing party hats, squealing and jumping up and down with a bottle in your hand. ”
Sadly accurate … and telling older people to “get a life”, “loosen up” or some such.
Very true. . . .
Nothing like insulting your audience, immature, negative, old, closed minds, goldfish like, complainers, screamers, toxic.
Only allow under 30s with drink in one hand and phone in the other, no hope in Birmingham
Emma Supporter is very bossy. And also very, very funny!
Written by Emma Stenning?
My favourite: “Welcoming phones and drinks is one of the first steps towards the ‘5 Resolutions’ that will give the CBSO a true purpose.”
I thought the purpose of CBSO was playing wonderful music at the highest level of excellence.
It seemed at first your comment was about artistry but your comment is really about funding. It would be preferable for classical music die a natural and dignified death then the zombie apocalypse of your description.
Dancing in the aisles? A knees up? Why not?
You’re deluded dear!
Read and try to digest, even understand all the criticism that Ms Stenning’s misjudged appointment is/has caused, and get real!
In that case, I am a CBSO patron AND a Goldfish – and proud to be both!
Dear Emma Supporter,
You read the room badly. The vast majority of concert-goers clearly do not want their neighbors filming and drinking during the event.
You write that you are losing your funding, then complain about the cost of video projection. This is patently non seq.
And your comment about old white men playing boring music is an insult to all and sundry. The level of your argument is arguably that of a two-year-old throwing a tantrum.
The most recent text by your CEO states “we . . . suggest that you take pictures and videos during applause breaks”. So if people do not take on board that suggestion can they do as wish, i.e. film during the performance itself? The entire chain of statements she has released is riddled with conflicting information as she simultaneously stubbornly ploughs ahead and backtracks.
It is clear that Emma Stenning should resign immediately. She has alienated herself and alienated her audience. Her position is untenable.
There were no problems at concerts before Emma arrived. 99% of the complaints are entirely the fault of Emma for attempting to lower the standards in a concert without asking the regular concert-goers for their opinions BEFORE any changes. There is only one person to blame for all this criticism, and that is Emma.
I’m on my way back from tonight’s concert. There were no ‘problems’ that I’m aware of. I didn’t see or hear any phones or drinks in the auditorium. It seems that this will disappoint many commenters on here.
I really can’t understand what people are getting so heated about. Some (or should I say most) of the rhetoric in these comments is deliberately provocative.
Thanks for your delightful contribution, Emma Supporter! It’s unfortunate that at least half the readers of SD lack the gene which enables the rest of us to detect irony.
If her diatribe really was irony, then it is so badly written that it sounds for real. Irony should be fiction gotten up to sound like truth, not truth gotten up to sound like fiction.
What right has Emma Supporter to accuse me of being immature and like a goldfish?
Yes I am old. Have 50 years experience of going to classical concerts.
Have attended concerts by
1)San Francisco
2) Los Angeles
3)Dallas
4)Pittsburgh
5)Philadelphia
6)Cleveland
7)Minnesota
8) New York
9)Boston
10)Chicago.
The list of European orchestras is too long to publish.
Have also attended concerts by
Don McLean,Barbara Dixon,Crusaders,10Cc,Ravi, Shankar, Jules Holland.
Emma Supporter is playing a dangerous game when she can’t tolerate heartfelt criticism.
Absolute Rubbish
You are absolutly right!
But classical music is still boring, taking pictures doesn´t change the basic problem.
Yes, I could listen to some music on my phone while these people do their thing on stage.
But wouldn´t it be a better idea to book some rapper eg., who freestyles live to the music?
Feel me?
Would work really, really well to get people in the concert hall who do not care for classical music!
I don’t know what your position is at the CBSO but I would suggest that if you believe “classical music is boring and stuffy instead of inspirational,” you’re working in the wrong field.
Many theatre shows now get advertised with lines like “It’s a party in the theatre!” and “You’ll be dancing in the aisles at this!” How about applying this to concerts? Get up and bop to The Rite of Spring!
Are you serious, or talking tongue in cheek?
Talking with all the sarcasm I can muster.
Did anyone reading this actually take it seriously? The dribbles of sarcasm have already formed a lake.
https://cbso.co.uk/stories/emmas-top-ten
“Why not discover some new tunes today?”
Bach
“Air on a G String the perfect companion for James Bond’s antics in Casino Royale.”
Puccini Madam Butterfly
“You might recognise House of Gucci, but if you listen closely you can also hear echoes of Bring Him Home from Les Miserables”
Mahler
“A favourite of fictional conductors across cinema, Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 features on the soundtrack of both Tár and Death in Venice.”
Actually, she got Casino Royale wrong. It was The Spy that Loved Me.
Otherwise, what is wrong with her Top Ten Pick, and her comments on a few of them? She is writing, not for Classical Music cognoscenti, but for people who will have heard classical music in other contexts (gaming, movies, even adverts) perhaps without realizing it, and she is trying to attract them to the full concert experience. Do you seriously have a problem with that?
Actually, you got The Spy that Loved Me wrong. It was “The Spy WHO Loved Me.”
And I always thought it was the spy what loved me…
I’m not really into this fancy classical stuff, but I like a good tune.
Good for you! Then perhaps you would enjoy going to a symphony concert, where you will hear lots of good tunes, and perhaps begin to enjoy more complex musical experiences.
I know, I’ve been to literally hundreds of concerts, and several “Rings”.
Wish I hadn’t posted it.
I got your irony. My point was that these top ten picks and the comments are not for people who are already classical music enthusiasts, they are for people who might be encouraged to become so. Your rather snooty comment is the sort of attitude that puts people off classical music. They don’t want to become somebody like that.
It was a comment on Emma Stenning’s musical insights, not an “attitude” of mine.
ES’s patronising references to “tunes” is not going to encourage anyone. Even people who have never been to a concert know that there’s more to it than that.
Trying to be funny on SD? That’ll teach you.
https://cbso.co.uk/stories/emmas-top-ten
“Why not discover some new tunes today?”
Bach
“Air on a G String the perfect companion for James Bond’s antics in Casino Royale.”
Puccini Madam Butterfly
“You might recognise House of Gucci, but if you listen closely you can also hear echoes of Bring Him Home from Les Miserables”
Mahler
“A favourite of fictional conductors across cinema, Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 features on the soundtrack of both Tár and Death in Venice.”
Don’t forget ‘O mio babbino caro’ in a current McDonald’s ad.
This is a message sent to all CBSO members, whether they have complained or not (or at least I assume so, since I got one). My only problem with it is that it is poorly and ambiguously worded at two points. ‘will be able’ needs to be replaced by ‘will be allowed’ (or ‘permitted’) and ‘suggest’ by ‘ask’ or ‘request’. Those are important differences, though: at present the implication is that it’s up to the individual whether to comply with the policy or not. As such, as it stands, it can only confirm the (by no means unjustified) fear of established patrons that they are seen as the problem and that they have not, actually, been listened to – even though they are being told they have been. In a horrible, completely unnecessary stand-off such as this has become, everybody – but perhaps particularly those who initiated the furore in the first place – need to be extremely precise in the use of words.
Personally I am desperate for peace to break out and for us all to be able/allowed to concentrate on the music again. I certainly accept that some of the attacks on Ms Stenning have been excessive and unduly personal. But she and her supporters also need earnestly to acknowledge how profoundly some of the orchestra’s best and longest-standing friends have been understandably hurt over the last few months. Some of the retaliation has gone too far, for certain; but if people who genuinely care deeply about an organisation suddenly start being treated as a kind of ‘enemy within’, as problems rather than assets, it’s hardly surprising if their very real, visceral pain at this sometimes results in unfortunate and regrettable levels of anger. Any code of conduct surely needs to be a two-way thing?
But please, for the sake of the music and the orchestra: CAN WE MOVE ON NOW? My little suggested rewordings would at least be a start.
Well said
I agree with Cornishman’s first paragraph. Our language has lost clarity because many people refuse to use “dirigiste” words like allow, permit, ask, request, require, demand. That saddens me.
I also note that Ms Stenning’s message, like many others, ends with the words “kindest regards”. My hackles always rise when I see those words. Please allow ME to decide whether your regards, and by implication you, are kind.
Many people who assert that they are kind are not kind. Emma Stenning’s response to the audience member who was distracted by the behaviour of the CBSO’s official photographer was unkind.
By the way, and in similar fashion, many people who assert that they are not racist are racist, such as Frank Hester. As a wise person once said, fine words butter no parsnips.
Sounds pretty reasonable!
I’ll be interested to see how this pans out. As a member of the younger generation I do get the urge to film out concerts, people love sharing and it works as a great free marketing tactic. Not sure how well enforced keeping screen brightness down and no flash will be however. Hopefully, it’s not more distracting then someone reading program notes on a piece of paper but time will tell. Either way I feel classical has to adjust and this is certainly one way. Excited to see where this experiment goes.
‘classical has to adjust’
Why? It’s much better than any art form just as it is.
Not sure what age group you guys are speaking from but as a young lover of this music this change is appealing to me and I’m sure many others of my age group. Of course this is alienating to the older audiences but if you don’t want classical to die out with that generation it may be wise to do something about it. I don’t mean the music itself has to adjust just that it’s presentation and culture might have to. This is normal throughout the genres history(Eg. No clapping before movements wasn’t a thing until Wagner, and no food or drink even more recent). The truth is many orchestras are dying and running out of audiences this is one possible way to alleviate the issue. Whether it works or not(Meaning attracts enough new audiences without alienating current ones too much) time will only tell but I think it’s worth a try. Better then just doing the same things that don’t work imo. I would like to clarify that I personally wouldn’t film in concerts because I care about the music too much, but me PERSONALLY wouldn’t find filming to be distracting if not constant and done with dim screens. Hopefully there is a compromise somewhere in here(Perhaps dedicated media booth or concerts with filming). Also perhaps technology will solve this issue(Once phones can fit on glasses then people can film without distracting anyone else). I would also like to add that filming used to be not allowed at rock concerts due to fears of bootlegging. However, it turns out that this bootlegging actually led to increased ticket sales and interest, and today at pretty much any non classical concert you will find people with their phones out. Is this what I want classical to turn into? Maybe not, but I would prefer having tons of young people excited to share the idiom with each other rather than it dying out with no one to attend concerts.
“ Hopefully there is a compromise somewhere in here”. Oh really? The only one I can think of is that the orchestra wears concert dress at the general rehearsal, a symphony photographer is arranged to take a few photos which are then available free to audience members at the end. I am frankly sick and tired of mobile phones disrupting concerts, plays, small scale indoor sports events where concentration by performers and audience is key. The moment mobile phones are allowed to be used in part of a concert experience, someone will certainly forget to switch off the beeper, another will forget to lower the intensity of the screen, others will be scrambling in their pockets just before a work comes to an end so as to be sure of getting the first pic . . . and so it will go on. The whole idea of this CEO who seems to care nothing about most of her audience is mad!
“it’s not more distracting then someone reading program notes on a piece”
Yes, that can be irritating if it involves constant page flicking, although in my experience it is rare unless a libretto is involved.
I don’t understand your logic, however, in arguing that the existence of one problem justifies adding a second one.
The young generation has an urge to share things with others(social media and the like). If I see someone filming at a concert while it may be distracting, to me it seems like that is someone who actually cares enough about the idiom to want to share it with someone else. Someone who doesn’t care at all probably wouldn’t bother filming. I guess the point is I don’t think filming is done out of malice. Also when I see a video of perhaps a pop concert I can feel the atmosphere and actually am excited to go to one, I hope others can feel the same about classical. Something like concert mode would be nice though, automatically mutes phone notifications/calls and dims screens, I hope everyone can agree with that.
The issue is that listening to classical music is a high level aural skill, one which requires all the critical faculties that you possess. One could compare it to watching and listening to a Shakespeare play.
Using mobile phones and drinking are distractions both to users and their neighbors, meaning that less will be understood and absorbed than would be the case were audience members not to indulge in these activities.
To pre-empt any criticism here, this is not connected in any which way to elitist behavior.
If you are shooting, recording or filming you’re no longer engaged in truly listening.
I see the issue as more fundamental. Audiences in the UK, USA, Australia, etc., no longer have the same musical literacy that they once had (in contrast consider Finland). The struggle to maintain audiences who are incapable of sustaining long periods of concentration is a big ask.
This doesn’t reflect poorly on the repertoire but rather on the literacy of our societies more generally.
The concern to find ways to increase audiences by compromising concert etiquette is trying to remediate a symptom whose cure will only come with a revival in cultural education.
A quick video shot of the orchestra and conductor taking their applause at the end of the performance doesn’t do any harm and could be good when shared on social media – BUT when the musicians are performing we should give 100% of our concentration to their performance and allow them to do the same.
I suggest she start selling peanuts there too. But only during the pauses.
Jim, the tortured unwrapping of cellophane covered sweets has long been a distraction, along with the inevitable clatter of walking sticks propped against seats falling to the floor in the quietest moments of the performance.
Crinkly bags of crunchy crisps would be even better! (But only munch during applause breaks, please).
Emma and Mark make the assumption that we “always will remain our loyal, supportive friends and audiences”. I wouldn’t be so sure if I was in Emma’s shoes. Many of us have indeed been involved with the orchestra for a long time and feel very committed to the wonderful musicians and to an organisation which has felt like extended family. But as in any relationship loyalty goes both ways, needs to be nurtured on an ongoing basis, and has its limits. From conversations with friends at Symphony Hall I know I’m not alone in feeling that she needs to demonstrate, fast, that she is truly listening and that she has turned over a new leaf.
It is good that this message has a more conciliatory tone and it is very reassuring that Mark Phillips is involved. He is a long serving member of the horn section who is widely liked among those of us who have had the pleasure of meeting him at events over the years. I hope Mark can bring persuade Emma to build bridges by taking a more respectful and caring approach.
It is a shame it’s come to this. Where are the trustees including our hotshot new Chairman in all of this?
Stop thinking you’re more important than everyone else because you donate. You’re not. The CBSO values all people equally.
As a CBSO Patron for several years, I have greatly appreciated your comments on this in the last couple of days, measured and sensible.
Perhaps it is time for all the parties to step back and re-enter some sort of proper consultation process.
Please don’t hook up the violas to a megaphone.
Please do hook them up to a megaphone. Passionate, caring individuals who are not only part of a sensational section but also care deeply about the CBSO and its future
Rude
Cue all the ‘old man yelling at cloud’ comments…
Season of Joy, with added capitals! Gave me a much-needed laugh, Emma, at least.
P.S. turn the phones off!
Has anybody told Joy?
Hi. This criticism of Emma is unacceptable. Under our recent Respectful Behaviour Policy we have the right to deny you access to future concerts if this behaviour continues.
Another day another drama! It’s so sad.
Emma keeps saying she is being misrepresented. Today’s statement says in different places ‘we are not encouraging filming at our concerts’ and ‘we are very happy for you to take photographs and short video clips at our concerts.’ What is it?
It’s the worst way to start the day. We want to give the best concert possible tonight. Do you know what’s the most depressing? Giving our best, then looking up to the balcony and seeing Emma uninterested (the ‘music from the Hovis advert’) with a drink in her hand. I’m heartbroken.
Once again, I’m sorry for my petty outburst.
I clearly need to go and have another bath and thank you to the person who gave me the tip about the lavender oil yesterday it really worked!
I’ve realised that Emma isn’t looking uninterested, she is respectfully listening to the orchestra. After all it would be strange if she was up there doing the can-can wouldn’t it?
If I’d been concentrating in the last concert I would have remembered that the announcement said please film in the breaks not during the performance.
Gosh I’m such a wally sometimes. Maybe I wasn’t even there, I just can’t remember.
This second comment is obviously fake (about lavender oil). Emma’s supporters are adding fake replies, to me and three musician colleagues so far over the past days.
This is why we are scared to speak up. Bullying musicians to push an agenda we and our audiences hate.
I’m sorry I don’t see anyone else on here pretending to be a musician in the orchestra?
Also you are speaking up, none of your other “colleagues” seem to be stoking the flames in this terrible trolling. They have more respect for the orchestra than to stoop to commenting on here.
As for bullying, it is YOU joining in with the pathetic bullying of Emma – not the other way round.
However I am glad to hear it’s only the lavender oil part of the second comment that isn’t true 🙂
I’m sorry I don’t see anyone else on here pretending to be a musician in the orchestra?
Also you *are* speaking up, none of your other “colleagues” seem to be stoking the flames in this terrible trolling. They have more respect for the orchestra than to stoop to commenting on here.
As for bullying, it is YOU joining in with the pathetic bullying of Emma – not the other way round.
However I am glad to hear it’s only the lavender oil part of the second comment that isn’t true 🙂
This is turning into a witch hunt. Norman: this is ugly and unpleasant behavior from you. Snowflake CBSO ‘loyal’ supporters: you need to get a grip. You are behaving like spoilt brats.
Get a grip on what, exactly?
Paul.
Yawn. Such a dull response.
You know exactly what, with ‘Get a grip’ being a well known phrase. But seeing as you asked and people are taking saying think like the CEO ‘declaring all out war on the music lover’, I’d they need to get grip on their dignity, reality and sanity.
Couldn’t have put it better myself
Emma has now declared all out war on the music lover. She is not listening and not taking her audience seriously.
Why is she encouraging the all day drinking culture? Is she all bent on turning Symphony Hall into the Magaluf of the West Midlands? Nuts!!
Wake up CBSO, your city didn’t want you, grant removed, your loyal audience is appalled by recent events, who will come to your concerts?
Gosh you are quite the comedian aren’t you? All day drinking culture… talk about making things up.
What stupidity. Early on, ‘directly’ should be direct. To sign off ‘kindest regards’ never advanced the standing of women in business, even 40+ years ago. Next stop Radio3 no doubt for this parrot.
And ‘discrete’ is not the same as ‘discreet’ (which is surely what she means?).
Well spotted! The difference between politeness and separateness.
I presume that ‘Player Chair’ is a new way of saying ‘Hostage’.
More CBSO bashing from a “loyal fan”.
Firstly, my wife and I have always been made to feel very welcome. I cannot fathom the audience members saying they are being hurt and made to feel like the enemy within. I can only surmise there is some acute paranoia involved causing these unnecessary daily attacks.
Secondly, stop saying Emma isn’t listening, it’s simply not true. There were no phones at the concert last week and “Pictures” was reverted to a “normal” concert.
The “Explores” concerts are now clearly earmarked so you don’t have to go to them; and as I’ve said before the phone and drinks policies were brought in after Covid, well before Emma’s time.
I can only imagine what this is doing to the musicians, and fear for the mental health of those being hounded.
On a positive note I am really looking forward to hearing the Bernstein tonight, I’ll be cheering extra loudly. Toi toi to all involved!
As many have said on here, let’s move on.
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you
Why don’t we all get cross at world wars, poverty, corporations who pay no tax and the governments who have underfunded the arts for 40 years. Wouldn’t it be better to draw a line under this and support all the UK organisations who are facing crippling budget cuts, losing concert halls and a national decline in audience. Maybe this stuff is more important than arguing over whether you can take a photo in a concert in the applause?? (Maybe also resist some of the blatant misogyny here and stick to the facts rather than twisting them to suit the narrative)
“blatant misogyny here”
Three examples, please.
(Criticising a woman is not necessarily misogyny.)
Stenning and brave!
If the recorded announcement matches the wording used by Graham Sibley at last weeks concert, then I’m happy and we should move on.
I’m looking forward to booking a lot of concerts for what looks like the CBSO’s strongest new season for many years.
Arts administrators should say ‘hello, welcome and thank you’ then do their work behind the scenes. It should be the musicians themselves that decide what direction their orchestra and performances take. The best administrators do their valuable work without wanting the limelight and let the performers perform.
Really? These complainers to the CBSO are bothered by phone photography in 2024? Get a grip. So much pearl-clutching over something that everyone does – including diehard classical fans – these days.
“everyone does – including diehard classical fans – these days.”
No, we don’t.
Well you aren’t all of them are you Barry dear
No, and neither Carl nor you can speak for everyone either.
Clear?
I’m not trying to, just pointing out that you are.
Clear?
From Emma Stenning:
“Elgar’s Enigma Variations are an unforgettable musical portrait of the friends who made him the man he was, right here in the Midlands 125 years ago.”
The kind of fatuous nonsense music teachers find in a GCSE paper. I’d give it a 3 at a pinch.
None of this detracts from the fact that we have a marvellous orchestra. I’ve been to about 20 concerts this season and am rarely disturbed by thoughtless patrons: no more so than at the Birmingham Hippodrome or the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. I’m looking forward to the screening of Amadeus this week, with live accompaniment, and to the end of season Madam Butterfly.
Let’s put all the controversy behind us now and support our musicians!
Thank you
Thank you
Photography being allowed during applause is a normal policy for many venues and orchestras, including the NY Phil… How is this news? Why is everyone so confused and distraught about it?
Emma has been encouraging people to use phones during our playing. And take drinks in to enjoy at the same time.
Maybe Emma should start encouraging the players to take drinks on to the platform, a couple of pints during Mahler 9 wouldn’t come amiss and would increase the conviviality of the occasion. Maybe she could encourage some use of phones from within the orchestra, videos from the players during the performance would be really interesting, the audience could see and hear what playing in an orchestra really feels like.
A phone on the stand is very handy (kein Wortspiel beabsichtigt) for getting through long stretches of bars rests too.
In case anybody with a sense of humour bypass reads this, it’s meant to be a joke.
I think you are quite behind on the policy details being in the orchestra. You’ve been able to take drinks in since Covid, and the last two concerts were no filming during performance. Who are you?
Cant help thinking that there’s coming a time quite soon when classical musicians will be very glad to have an audience with phones.
Because at least they will have…an audience.
“You are, and always will remain, our loyal, supportive friends and audiences.”
What a very strange thing to say to (I understand) a particular individual who wrote to her. How does she know that this person will always remain supportive and part of the audience? This is gush-speak.
“We are very happy for you to take photographs and short video clips at our concerts. We ask that you are mindful of disturbing artists and other audience members and suggest that you take pictures and videos during applause breaks. ”
So it’s only a *suggestion* that you take your photies and videos during an applause break, not during the music. Which gives out the message that if you want to use your recording devices while the music is playing–well, that’s all right, too, really, ‘cos it was only a *suggestion* that you rein yourself in until the applause.
Anyway, if it’s one of those tiresome standing ovations, you won’t be able to see the performers during the applause break.
Exactly – the word ‘suggest’ is the problem. As I suggested (!), if she had written ‘ask’ or ‘request’, the policy would have been clear and a great deal of this latest rumpus would have been avoided. Something like: “We ask you not to disturb artists and other audience members, and therefore request that you take pictures and videos during applause breaks”. Surely that wouldn’t be unduly rude or off-putting, would it, and it would send a message to all Ms Stenning’s critics that she actually HAD been listening, and was even (shock, horror) on their side!
It was an email to all members of CBSO (Friends, Patrons, Circle Members etc etc)
Apparently the world is about to end, and it’s going to happen at Symphony Hall.
Looks like a case of “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em”.
As a Yankee, I could not place “CSBO” on the globe, so I Googled it. Even after typing “CSBO orches…” Google could not recognize anything musical, and not until I added a “t” was Google able to recognize the name of an orchestra. Better check out your SEO, Emma!
Because it’s CBSO not CSBO.
ROFL!! Although City of Symphony Birmingham Orchestra has a good ring to it. Good to see these haters literally have no clue. Let’s move on.
Because it is CBSO not CSBO. Duh…. City of Symphony Birmingham Orchestra would really not make much sense… Try googling the LOS – London Orchestra Symphony….
As a regular audience member I hate the distraction of others taking video and photos during performances.
Unfortunately with the policy stating the CBSO are “very happy” with this my enjoyment can be impaired with impunity.
This is not something audiences or performers asked for. It is a poorly considered attempt to get “down with the kids” and even more disappointingly seems to be a hill that CBSO management are willing to sacrifice the orchestra’s reputation on.
Lorna
The only answer to this is each and every time your enjoyment of the concert is ruined, demand a refund and make sure you get it. Do it directly to management not their booking service. You hold all the cards, you didn’t get what you had paid for and you don’t have to book anymore concerts with them. They have a responsibility to provide you with an excellent concert with no distractions from phones or drinkers.
I agree with you 100%.
Well that’s as clear as mud.