I would invite Reg Smith to come and live in Los Angeles, I attend a
full season of concerts at the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra's
home in the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the full season of Los Angeles
Opera at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at the Music Center.  Yes, the
instant that we have an intermission the cell phones come out but never
have I witnessed a conversation during a performance.

I have on a very few occasions heard a cell phone ring during a
performance and I am sure the offender felt as if the entire audience
would jump on them and as rapidly as possible took care of the
intrusion.

As for guide-hosted tours of music machine museums, I have enjoyed many
tours and have never heard loud talking -- perhaps a whispered question
to a companion if something of importance was missed, but never a loud
disruptive remark.

I won't say that it never happens but it is unusual.  I guess that says
something about the benefits of the 'Left Coast'.  Juuust kidding!

Cecil Dover
Los Angeles