Phones not music to their ears
DEAR AMY » My husband and I have season tickets to our local symphony. Before the start of each concert, audience members are asked to silence all cellphones and to NOT record any part of the performance.
During the last two concerts we attended, we’ve sat behind several people who have whipped out phones and recorded the concert.
Last time, one couple, besides recording, had rather loud conversations and proceeded to take “selfies” (in the dark). We were not the only people disturbed by this.
I do know that recording the performance upsets the musicians. (And the loud talking/photography bothers the audience!)
Amy, could you please give a rundown of a few concertgoing rules, and explain why there should be no filming of (any) public performances? — Enjoying the Music
DEAR ENJOYING » Here is some very clear direction, lifted from the New York Philharmonic website (nyphil.org): “Audience mem- bers may take photographs before and after the concert, as well as during intermission and applause. Please note, however, that no photography or recording of any kind is permitted during the performance. Anyone seen using a camera, smartphone or other device for these activities will be asked to leave.”
And here is a quote from an article published in Billboard magazine:
“Federal law ... imposes civil penalties for the unauthorized recording of live performances or the transmission or distribution of such. This is true even if the bootlegging is not done for commercial gain. The statute provides that anyone who engages in these prohibited acts is potentially liable for money damages. A court may also impound applicable recordings.”
Some popular performers are now requiring that audience members actually surrender their phones when entering a venue.
Performers and conductors have the right to perform without their intellectual property be- ing recorded and possibly shared. Audience members have the right to enjoy a performance without being subjected to the obvious distraction of bright smartphone lights.
Selfish audience members need to understand that they are not part of the evening’s performance. No one is entranced by becoming an unwitting photobomb in their selfies.
Ask anyone around you to “Please stop using your phones now.” If they refuse, get an usher immediately.
DEAR AMY » “Put Upon Friend” wrote to you about a friend who was periodically abusive toward her. I’ll tell you what I did in a similar situation: When my “friend” told me, “I wish you were gone,” I said, “Great!” And I felt liberated. Freedom! — No Longer Put Upon
DEAR NO LONGER » “Put Upon’s” friend is bipolar. This adds a level of complication, and implies a level of compassion. But I understand your own reaction.