Page 159 - Media Coverage Book - 75th Aldeburgh Festival 2024

I also feel like the question of filming is jumping the gun. We still haven’t had a proper
conversation about whether concertgoers are allowed to have a glass of wine during a
performance. I’m not joking. Why shouldn’t you be allowed to sit with a lovely glass of wine at a
beautiful concert? It’s such a simple complimentary pleasure. At the Everyman cinema you’re
given the option of a table where you have a negroni brought to you to enhance the experience.
Lovely! There are programmes I offer at which that would be entirely appropriate and others
where it would not be. Yet we’re debating the use of technology before allowing such an ancient
pleasure.

I’m planning a concert for St Patrick’s Day 2025 with some extraordinary Irish musicians. The idea
that we’d ban mobile phones and drinks from that would be crazy. But then imagine you’re at the
Wigmore Hall for a recital. The seats are very close together there and somebody rustling in their
pockets, knocking you with their elbow to get out a phone, would leave me personally incensed.
Context, nuance and shades of grey are everything in these artistic conversations.

“Clips can make people think: wow! I want to go and try learning
that myself now”

Jordan Ashman, 19

Percussionist and BBC Young Musician of the Year 2022

Jordan Ashman: 'I want to create a relaxed environment where people can really enjoy the
music' CREDIT: BBC/Dan Prince

I can see both sides of this debate and my instinct is that it should be up to the performers. When I
go to see an orchestra, I want to be able to hear the music properly and I want a clear view of the
musicians. People waving phones in your eyeline can really spoil the experience. Also, sometimes
when I’ve filmed things I’ve realised I’m not appreciating the experience in quite the same way.

But the whole vibe at classical concerts is changing. For example, musicians didn’t often talk to
audiences but now many do talk about what they’re playing. At my own recitals I love having a bit