Goldscheider v Royal Opera House [2018] EWHC 687 (QB)
The High Court has found a classical musician is entitled to
damages after suffering 'acoustic shock' whilst employed in
the orchestra of the Royal Opera House. Whilst the judgment will
certainly make entertainment venues and their insurers sit up and
listen, the impact on claims volumes is likely to be more
muted.
Background
The Claimant, Christopher Goldscheider, alleges that he suffered
"acoustic shock" whilst rehearsing Wagner's Die
Walkure with the Royal Opera House (ROH) in London in 2012.
Mr Goldscheider, a leading violinist with the ROH, alleges that
his hearing was damaged as a result of sitting directly in front of
an 18 strong brass section during orchestral rehearsals. It was
alleged that the sound of the brass section peaked at 137 decibels,
which is comparable to that of a jet engine.
