The Editor, Sir:

I feel obliged at the start of this letter to state that I absolutely love children, especially young ones. In a way, this respectful request to parents of young children not to bring their offspring to classical concerts could be said to be made on their behalf.

It is, for some parents, yet another sacrifice not to be able to attend concerts because of baby sitter unavailability, especially since there are relatively few suchshows in Jamaica.

But, out of respect for the children, who were not programmed to sit silently for hours, members of the audience and most especially the performers, it is perhaps best that the parents and the children do not attend.

Putting children through the ordeal of sitting still for lengthy periods listening to music that is not appropriate for their age group could be considered unkind.

Cannot enjoy performance

Obviously, the parents cannot enjoy the performance, being nervous to know when the next crying episode will take place, and others are unable to direct the listening focus necessary to hear the nuances of the musicians/singers performances.

Further, the performers, already filled with nervous tension, require maximum concentration to be able to deliver their flawless interpretations of sometimes extremely intricate music.

It is just unfair to cause any distraction, and indeed, young children who are almost certainly going to cause distractions, should not be allowed in.

These concerts are not like rap shows or a movie, when, even there, young children can be disturbing - unless the children's crying is interrupted by folks having loud conversations on their cell phones in the darkness of the theatre.

I am, etc.,

GLYNNE MANLEY

dancer@cwjamaica.com

Heathwood Manor

12 Wishaw Drive, Kingston 8