Classical music performer Nicola Benedetti expresses her firm opposition to the usage of mobile phones during live performances.
In the heart of Edinburgh, the Usher Hall has seen a shift in its concert atmosphere during the annual Edinburgh International Festival. Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti, the festival's director, has introduced a less formal environment by replacing stalls with bean bags.
Benedetti, who is also known for her strong opinions on the use of mobile phones during classical music concerts, shared her thoughts on the issue with our website presenter Ritula Shah during the opening week of the festival.
Benedetti has "very mixed feelings... but also very strong feelings" about the use of mobile phones during concerts. She believes in the uniqueness of having 2,000 people not using their devices during a concert, yet she acknowledges the relatively short time spent in a concert hall away from a mobile phone compared to other aspects of life.
Strict policing of audience members can be more distracting for those nearby than the offending activity itself, according to Benedetti. She is against venue and concert staff telling concertgoers what to do during performances, which she considers a "pet hate".
Organist Anna Lapwood, with millions of followers on social media, has a different stance. She encourages audience members to film and take photos during her concerts. Lapwood finds joy in seeing pictures and videos tagged to her after her performances.
The debate over the use of mobile phones during classical music concerts has attracted responses from musicians and music lovers far and wide. In May 2024, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) made a decision to allow audience members to discreetly take photos and videos at its concerts, sparking a lively debate online.
Benedetti suggests that if someone finds it difficult to concentrate for 45 minutes without their mobile phone, other ways to appreciate music might be more suitable. She believes in providing a diverse range of ways to enjoy art at the Edinburgh International Festival.
The Edinburgh International Festival, held in Scotland's capital, is a prestigious arts festival that attracts visitors from around the world. This year, it has seen a unique experiment in creating a device-free concert environment, led by its director, Nicola Benedetti.
Read also:
- visionary women of WearCheck spearheading technological advancements and catalyzing transformations
- Recognition of Exceptional Patient Care: Top Staff Honored by Medical Center Board
- A continuous command instructing an entity to halts all actions, repeated numerous times.
- Oxidative Stress in Sperm Abnormalities: Impact of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) on Sperm Harm
