Discordant note from the concert audience

THE prestigious European Youth Orchestra graced City Hall recently under the auspices of Cork 2005. Added to the prospect of having such a classy orchestra in Cork was the presence of John Eliot Gardiner, one of the world’s greatest conductors.

However, as I sat in the balcony I soon realised that the sophistication of the orchestra was in inverse proportion to that of the audience.

After the orchestra had started latecomers were allowed to wander in and distract those who were trying to listen to the music.

Then at least three idiots decided to go to the toilet in the course of the first half of the concert, again making needless noise and disruption on their way out and back.

Added to all this was the usual number of talkers - there were at least three couples in the balcony who kept up an irritating and intermittent chatter for the entire duration of the concert.

The large posters proclaiming Cork as the European Capital of Culture seemed largely ironic, if not satirical, in the above context.

One can only hope that, over time, some improvement may result in the way Cork audiences respond to musical experiences of a world class order.

Meanwhile, I think I’ll give all future concerts a miss.

Anthony Hartnett

Chestnut Grove

Bishopstown

Cork