Audience discusses the contention surrounding Birmingham orchestra's policy permitting use of mobile devices during performances

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Embraces Mobile Phone Use at Concerts

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) has made a bold move in the world of classical music by allowing audience members to take photos and short videos during its concerts. This new policy, which was announced alongside the launch of the CBSO's new concert season and a new concert series titled 'CBSO Explores', has received a mixed reaction from the public.

Emma Stenning, the CBSO's chief executive, explained that the move was aimed at attracting younger audiences. She believes that this change will help to create a more engaging and accessible experience for a new generation of music lovers.

However, not everyone is convinced. Some people have decried the CBSO's decision as 'insulting' and 'patronizing', arguing that classical music concerts should be a sacred space where phones are banned. Tenor soloist Ian Bostridge, for example, halted a concert due to audience members using phones, finding it distracting.

Despite these concerns, others argue that filming and photographing concerts is the cultural norm in other parts of the world and can drive publicity. A concertgoer reported seeing a small number of people filming discreetly at a CBSO concert without feeling distracted.

The CBSO has taken steps to ensure that the use of mobile phones does not disrupt the concert experience. Audience members are encouraged to take photos and short videos during applause breaks, and are advised to dim the brightness on their phones and not use flash.

Kazuki Yamada, who holds a new job title as music director of the CBSO, has expressed his support for the new policy. He believes that it will help to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for audiences of all ages.

In addition to allowing phones at concerts, the CBSO has announced a week of free pop-up performances throughout the city in the summer. This initiative is aimed at bringing classical music to a wider audience and encouraging more people to engage with the CBSO's work.

Overall, the CBSO's decision to allow phones at concerts has sparked a lively debate about the role of technology in the classical music world. While some people see it as a positive step towards making classical music more accessible, others worry that it will dilute the concert experience and undermine the sanctity of the performance. Only time will tell whether the CBSO's gamble will pay off.