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: 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.
Ranting about a cough or a sneeze is taking it too far, they paid for tickets aswell.
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.
If accidental human functions like a sneeze or cough make you guys this miserable than thats ok by me, suck it up. This has nothing to do talking or phones, if its a unplanned cough or sneeze I am not hateful enough to get bent about it. Cheers