Letter: Vienna chauvinists

Sir: The Promenade Concert on Monday evening, 6 September, was given by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Sir Simon Rattle. I was disgusted to see that the orchestra had no women members.

It is incredible that in 1999 professional organisations such as world- class orchestras are still allowed to remain bastions of male chauvinism; by now all such groups should include at least 50 per cent women members. However, I suppose one must expect it from Austrians who are old-fashioned and reactionary, certainly not enlightened, and readily show their prejudices.

In future it would be respectful if the organisers of the Promenade Concerts banned all male-only orchestras, ensembles and choirs