Ill-mannered youths

Ill-mannered youths

On May 3, 2000, at 7:30 p.m. Erasmus Huis hosted a concert fit
to quench the thirst of classical music lovers and admirers in
Jakarta.

Erasmus Huis was full with people of all ages and occupations.
Some were willing to stand during the whole 1.5 hours of the show
for they could not get seats. Expatriates living in Jakarta were
present, too. Among those in the audience were the Dutch
ambassador, his wife and mother-in-law.

The Midas Ensemble, established in 1990, gave a unique
performance featuring the combination of a soprano, bass clarinet
and piano. The ensemble's strength was in the terrific and
beautiful voice of Clara de Vries. Yet the remarkable duet of
Gerard Zuyderhoff (bass clarinet) and Steven Faber (piano) was
not to be taken lightly.

This exquisite performance was unfortunately marred by the
lack of respect shown by several (college) youngsters. Toward the
end of the show, these youths started whistling and copying the
voice of the soprano. What an embarrassing display! Not only did
it disturb the rest of the audience, but it also showed how
impolite Indonesians are.

Let us hope that in the future this type of display of ill
manners will not be repeated or amusedly tolerated.

N. ROHANAH

Jakarta