Re: Disrespectful Audiences

[steven-todd-miller]

Back in my symphony days we were doing a Young People’s Concert, playing in the pit as there was a stage show accompanying the music. Right before one piece began, a baby started screaming two rows behind the conductor. He waited for the screaming to stop- which seemed eternal, but the mother never budged. Finally he turned around, stared her straight in the eyes, and said “MADAM, PLEASE LEAVE” in the loudest-slowest-coldest-Lurch voice I’ve ever heard. Just thinking about it makes my blood run cold! She and the still crying baby left and the concert continued. Could he get away with that now?