No one is more concerned about preserving the live concert experience as we are," Rothman says.
"This is absolutely at the core of what we do. So we asked a lot of the really hard questions up front and are continuting to listen to feedback now that we've put it in people's hand."
In Boston, Noltemy says the symphony orchestra has taken steps to make sure it isn't alienating its core audience.
" There's been resistance all along to screens in concert halls "
For now, the iPads will be offered only to the 110 people seated in ther rear orchestra. That section is under the balcony overhang. she notes, helping limit the impact of screen glow on other audience members.
The devices will also be on a dim setting . and patrons will be given headphones to tune into the video and audio segments.
"We'd prefer people watch the iPad podcasts before the concert during the pre-concert reception," Noltemy says. "But,as you can imaging, we have no control over that."