inconsequential concourse

Ringing tones of famed Philharmonic silenced by ringing cell phone - CNN.com

[Former classical singer Michael Jo] said New York Philharmonic conductor Alan Gilbert reacted to the intrusion by stopping the music. He didn’t melodramatically fling his arms down; rather, he merely dropped his hands, which alerted the musicians to stop playing, according to Jo.

Then, the only sound in the great room was the “Marimba” ringtone of the cell phone, Jo said.

Gilbert turned his attention to the owner of the phone, who was seated on the front row, and asked, “Are you finished?”

When there was no reply, Gilbert said, “Fine, we’ll wait,” and placed his baton on his music stand, according to Jo.

After a few more rings, the phone was silenced.

…

Gilbert addressed the crowd, according to Jo: “Ordinarily, in disturbances like these, it’s better not to stop, since stopping is worse than the disturbance. But this was so egregious.” He then turned to the orchestra and said, “Number 118,” and the audience burst into applause.

Once order was restored, the music took back over, and the orchestra played on, Jo said.

Amazing. If I was a conductor I’d want to be like Gilbert.