Justin Davidson of Newsday weighs in on audience etiquette, generously quoting this blog. Note his point about cellphones: the ringing during performances drives everyone nuts, yet concert halls evidently consider it a breach of decorum to make anything more than a subliminal announcement about the issue. There's a paradox for you. I believe Disney Hall has figured this out, with an unmistakable pre-concert message. Mr. Rich, does it work? On similar themes, here is the text of my recent speech to the Chamber Music America conference. It was meant to be heard, not read, so pardon the occasional inelegance.
