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