Viola player wins case against Royal Opera House over ‘acoustic shock’
A leading viola player’s hearing was irreparably damaged by loud music during rehearsals, the High Court has ruled.
In the landmark case, which could have repercussions for orchestras across the UK, Christopher Goldscheider claimed he was exposed to unacceptable noise levels in the pit at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, in 2012.
Mr Goldscheider, 45, from Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, said he suffered “acoustic shock” and became unwell after sitting in front of an 18-strong brass section during orchestral rehearsals for a performance of Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle.
Yesterday, Mrs Justice Nicola Davies ruled in his favour on the issues of breach of duty and causation of injury, with damages to be assessed.
She refused the Royal Opera House Covent Garden Foundation permission to appeal although it can still apply directly to the Court of Appeal.
Mr Goldscheider, whose claim for lost earnings alone is almost £750,000, said he had to give up playing or even listening to music.
His counsel, Theo Huckle, QC, said the effects of the injury had “seriously diminished his life in all significant respects”.
Mr Goldscheider, he added, was exposed to an average noise level of 91 decibels over a three-hour period.