Composer Meirion Bowen writes to The Guardian: mobile phone use at concerts is unacceptable

Recently The Guardian received a number of letters from audience members regarding the use of mobile phones at concerts and opera performances, including one from British composer Meirion Bowen.

Meirion Bowen:

Concerts and operas are given by musicians who have spent a great deal of time developing the skills and understanding that ensure their performances are revealing and memorable. The idea that audiences should be allowed to disturb their performances with the latest technology is utterly unacceptable. What next? Dancing and laughter at a funeral?

Bren Pointer:

I can appreciate the appeal, especially among a younger audience, of wanting to capture a memorable moment, but for me it’s all about putting phones away and being very much present in the music.

Barry and Joy Norman:

Why watch something on a tiny screen when you can live in the moment?

Joan Lewis:

Nowadays, when I look down on the stalls from my seat in our local concert hall, where once I saw fellow concertgoers about to share a divine experience with me, all I notice is a sea of blue. This was once a very special moment, when I could feel an absolute affinity with my neighbours. Nowadays, I am more likely to feel alienated. How sad.