The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) is to allow concertgoers to take photos and short video clips on their phones during orchestra performances.
Chief executive Emma Stenning said the move would allow the orchestra to appeal to 'younger people' who were not interested in the 'old rules'.
undefined- Crowd surfing not tolerated at this year's Bristol Proms
- Audiences invited to submit videos to be shown at Last Night of the Proms
'We need to be able to have a conversation about the opportunity of relaxing some of the traditions of the concert hall just to see that they [younger audiences] get to us.'
Ms Stenning explained that the CBSO performers were aware of the audience recording policy, which was brought in before her appointment in 2023. 'If someone is super uncomfortable then we won’t do it,' she added. She also revealed that there had been discussions about introducing an equivalent to train 'quiet carriages' - areas of the concert hall where phone use was not permitted.
Video and film at appropriate moments
The orchestra's guidelines suggest that audiences take photos and films during applause breaks, and are mindful of disturbing artists and other audience members. Its current guidance around mobile phone is as follows:
'The CBSO provides all programme notes and some song texts digitally as a cost effective offer for audiences and as part of the organisation’s environmental ambitions. Photography has also been allowed at CBSO concerts for a number of years, giving audiences the chance to share their experience and encourage others to attend.
'We have clarified our rules around photography and filming following feedback, however we remain supportive of audiences being able to use their phones at appropriate moments during our concerts in a way that is considerate to those around them, including the musicians.'
'You are trying to connect with the people'
The decision comes just two weeks after tenor Ian Bostridge stopped during a performance to confront audience members who were using their phones while he was on stage.
Bostridge paused during an April 17 performance of Benjamin Britten’s Les Illuminations with the CBSO, after becoming 'distracted' by mobile phone users in the audience. He later commented that he thought the policy 'inappropriate'.
'It is a live performance and you are trying to keep your own concentration to convey something that is quite complex musically,' Bostridge told the BBC. 'You are trying to connect with the people and there is so much in the news these days about how we are too distracted by phones and how can we escape.'
Pictured: the CBSO with chief conductor and music director Kazuki Yamada
