Guardian readers reject phones at concerts
NewsThe paper has published four letters from readers who refuse to attend concert where phones and photography are permitted.
One is from the music critic and Tippett authority Meirion Bowen.
The case for permitting phones, advanced by inexperienced managers and woke-facing media, is far from proven.
Sample letter:
Your editorial about mobile phones in concert halls reminded me of the very strong stance taken by Keith Jarrett, the American jazz and classical pianist, who insisted that no photography was allowed during any of his performances (The Guardian view on phones in concert halls: what engages some enrages others, 19 May). This was expressed before the concert by the promoters and by Jarrett’s manager.
Sadly, on many occasions, a flash from a phone in the audience would happen and subsequently either the concert would come to an abrupt end or there would be a lengthy delay before the performance would resume. The wishes of the musician were not respected.
The headline says ‘Guardian readers reject…’ but this is on the strength of only four letters. In any case, who cares what a newspaper thinks about this? I would never pay to attend a concert where members of the audience were allowed to use their phones during the performance – though I couldn’t care less what happens during the applause.
It didn’t say “ll Guardian readers reject…”
The headline was perfectly true.
What`s the point of a photo?
Many great performances are only preserved thanks to pirate recordings and phone videos, because the criminals have better taste than recording companies.
If an artist walks out after someone takes a photo or coughs, ask your money back.
What I find odd about this, and so many recent concert “developments”, is that I’m not sure who wanted them in the first place?
Sir Stephen Hough has taken a similar stance to Mr Jarrett and of course they’re both absolutely right. I remember once being at an opera performance of Butterfly in Venice and some crazy lady in the front row was taking flash photos during Act 1. At intermission the usher didn’t seem interested in doing anything about it so being a busybody I took it upon myself to go over and explain to her that this was not acceptable and was distracting and hugely disrespectful to the artists and other audience members. She didn’t seem to realize and it was obviously her first experience at the Opera (in Venice – tourist) – American from the former Confederacy naturally…..
The sad thing is that Emma Stenning from the CBSO still believes she’s right and her audiences and orchestra are wrong.
Most venues, apart from Symphony Hall Birmingham, issue polite requests for no filming until the performance is over. These requests are increasingly ignored. A few discreet video cameras pointed at the audience would enable the venue to pinpoint offenders by seat location. They, and/or the person who bought the ticket, could then be reprimanded or denied access to future events. Yeah, that’s draconian – deal with it!
If Richter were still alive, there’s no way anyone would get to hear him play live, is there?
Audience members (serious listeners) can also police this. A few months back I was at the Met in the Balcony and a woman two rows in front of me began filming – a very deep voice from the row behind me growled “Turn it OFF” sounding like a character from Games of Thrones. She turned it off………..
The Stenning “policy” (she IS CEO and should accept responsibility) was ignored by a woman in front of me at the CBSO this afternoon, during the Tchaik violin concerto. Thankfully a fast-moving usher took control. But the woman had still disturbed our enjoyment. This is what comes of a contradictory policy. Ludicrous. (See previous posts on SD…)
There seems to be a lack of awareness of the different ways music is presented and what the particular purpose is. Music can be for dancing. It can provide a background as in a restaurant. And it can be for serious listening in which mobile phones have no place.
Good point. I’m always astonished and disappointed at the inability of so many younger people, and quite a few older ones, to appreciate the appeal of music in the absence of a celebrity, a movie or a song.
They have no understanding whatsoever of what they are listening to, so all they hear is a form of noise which is incapable of holding their attention. Not entirely their fault.
When I was younger there were always a few pop instrumentals around. These seem to have more or less disappeared.
I went to a recital by Andras Schiff where the audiences were so noisy he stopped playing and walked off stage. Announcer asked everyone to pipe down and Schiff returned 10 minutes later to resume playing. I think it was a Beethoven sonata.
I am OK with phones and photography, just NO FLASH and NO DROPPING during performance.
The CBSO has changed its policy. I hope Guardian readers check this before rejecting CBSO concerts.
In what way has the CBSO changed its policy? I just visited their website. In the FAQs, this text is unchanged:
“ 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.”
As has been pointed out several times, “suggest” does not mean that taking video during the performance is forbidden. Anyone who just read the first sentence of the advice might well think that it’s ok to take video during the music.
Truly bonkers as an idea to allow photography in concerts ,even official photo people are a pain. If I can I ask them to stop .
I was dismayed to see a number of people taking video on their phones at the recent Fatma Said recital at Milton Hall. It’s so intrusive, especially in a small venue; I don’t know why the ushers didn’t step in … Some people also thought it appropriate to talk during such an intimate recital. Very frustrating when all I want to do is concentrate on the artistry of the performance.
Why this seeming compulsion to photograph every damn thing which moves? For what purpose? Show to your friends with a giggle over a drink and then no more…
If you want to see really bad behaviour in this regard, go to any concert in China. We went to see the Bordeaux Ballet while travelling in China last month, and its not just constant use of phones during performances to record/photo – it is constant talking too. Felt so sorry for the performers who were doing a wonderful.
Couldn’t care less during applause/bows etc, but during the performance it is the height of rudeness, whether its opera, classical, ballet – whatever arts.