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Fed up with people making noise at classical shows

Last night I heard Vladimir Feltsman perform Chopin's Ballades at the Perelman Theater in Philadelphia's Kimmel Center. My excitement was building as my favorite part of the first Ballade approached. Immediately before the key was struck, someone sneezed. It was at that moment that I asked myself, "What the hell am I doing here? I have this at home, recorded by three different pianists." Throughout the performance were the sounds of coughing, sneezing moving in one's seat, dropping of programs, and talking.

I know this is the chance you take when attending live classical concerts and I LOVE hearing live music, but frankly I'm sick of it. I'm sick of paying money for traveling and the ticket itself just to be annoyed for two hours. Last Tuesday night a ringing cell phone disrupted a performance by the New York Philharmonic to the point where the conductor actually stopped the orchestra half way through Mahler's Ninth and addressed the moron who wouldn't shut it off.

Once, DURING A PERFORMANCE, someone got out of their seat, walked up to the stage and began "conducting the orchestra" with an imaginary baton.

As I said, I love attending live music, but when things like this happen, I'm ready to just stay home and save myself the aggravation.

Sorry, just had to vent.
devilboy
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
Oh poor you having your concert ruined by a sneeze or cough, how "boorish" of the public to get in your way of enjoying the concert. Your lucky you can enjoy a show as am I being a season ticket holder for our local sympony but if its accidental noise I dont cry about it. I noted earlier phones and talking are a different story but you guys take it too far. Lets not try to qualify who is and isnt serious about music please.
I can see why your bitter being a Browns fan, as I am too. Well now I tell everyone I am not a fan but a victim. :)
My point was that if you and I are lucky enough to be able to enjoy regular concerts then life is pretty damn good, do you think people much worse off would sympathize with our "problem"? Cheer up!
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
Photon, almost the 100yr mark of those riots.
devilboy OP
1,176 posts
 
Chadnliz: Sorry if my first reaction upon hearing someone disrupt the music I'm 1) paying to hear, and 2) trying to have a emotional connection with, isn't, "Well, at least I have a job." While I understand the point you were trying to make, it still doesn't justify the actions by the people. There have been remarks calling some of us "classical snobs." We are not snobs, we just have the courtesy to respect the listening experience of others.
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
Ranting about a cough or a sneeze is taking it too far, they paid for tickets aswell.
inna
7,296 posts
 
Paid or not and how much is irrelevant. It is about manners, and concert hall is not a private party. Which basically means shut up, stay that way and listen to music.
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