Maestro Alan Gilbert brought the New York Philharmonic's stirring performance of Mahler's Ninth Symphony to a grinding halt because of a persistent ringtone emanating from an iPhone in the front row at Lincoln Center.

The New York Post says the conductor's unprecedented response came Tuesday night at Avery Fisher Hall during the last movement of Mahler's monumental and emotional 82-minute work.

Here's how the Post describes the scene:

Turning to face the Lincoln Center audience, Gilbert then announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for this. Usually when these things occur, we ignore them. But this is such an egregious disturbance that I am forced to stop." Gilbert then turned in the direction of the front row and exclaimed, "Would you please just admit it. It's OK, just turn it off. Is it off now?" Some farther back in the audience then began to shout, "Throw him out!" and cheered Gilbert.

The conductor then finished the piece, winning a standing ovation from the audience of 2,700.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the offending ringtone was the iPhone's distinctive -- but jarring -- "Marimba" sound, which simulates the mallet instrument.

The Philharmonic said it was the first time the music director had ever interrupted a performance due to a cellphone or other disruption, the Associated Press reports.