Clapping between movements has long been a cardinal sin in the classical music world. There is a balance to be made, whereby clapping is reserved until the end of a final movement, thus allowing the audience to listen to the music undisturbed. But this convention has been increasingly ignored by new concertgoers unfamiliar with the etiquette of clapping at a classical music concert.
The solution, according to an inside source at Roy Thomson Hall, is to install an applause sign above the stage — a larger version of those used in television studios for live broadcast — which will instruct the audience when it is time to clap.
The new 20-foot long applause sign has been commissioned by Roy Thomson Hall from former Toronto mayor Mel Lastman’s furniture store affiliate “Big-Ass Signs,” which also makes signage for Honest Ed’s on Bloor St.
A prototype sign is currently being tested in the hall, and will be retrofitted to drop down from Roy Thomson Hall’s 38-ton circular canopy fitted on the ceiling above the stage.
“The Toronto Symphony Orchestra has been running up against the unexpected problem of inappropriate clapping since attracting so many first-time symphony-goers to the concert hall this year,” Said Guy Patterson, TSO’s new Applause Manager. “Some in the audience are confused and unsure when to clap, so as part of the TSO’s ongoing goal to be the most innovative symphony orchestra in the world, we will be implementing an applause sign technology to take the guesswork out of it for everyone.”
Oliver Kloushoff, a 6th chair trombonist with the symphony, described the new sign, which was temporarily installed last night for testing, as too big not to notice. “Even patrons with poor eyesight will be able to see its red glow in the appropriate moments,” he laughed.
The sign is to be unveiled for a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique by the TSO during the 2016/17 season. “It’s an apt piece to test out the new sign,” said Kloushoff. “At the end of the third movement, people always want to clap instinctually. Even I sometimes do. Now the sign will take away that uncertainty.”
TSO Music Director Peter Oundjian was not able to respond to questions other than to say, “it’s about bloody time”.
#LUDWIGVAN
- THE SCOOP | Royal Conservatory’s Dr. Peter Simon Awarded The Order Of Ontario - January 2, 2024
- THE SCOOP | Order of Canada Appointees Announced, Including Big Names From The Arts - December 29, 2023
- Ludwig Van Is Being Acquired By ZoomerMedia - June 12, 2023
