I gave a noonday concert on September 23. At my request, the Olin Center's Coordinator made arrangements to have my concert recorded by a student. On the day of the concert, the student "could not do it" and walked out of his responsibility. So I do not have any recording of my concert.

I give a concert only once a year. I give a concert, moreover, not only for people who come to hear it but for my friends who are scattered all over the globe: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Arizona, Tokyo, Singapore, Melbourne, Paris, Rome, San Juan. They eagerly await for my once-a-year "voice mail." Now I have to tell them what really happened.

I do not know the specific circumstance that prevented the student from working as he had promised. If I were in his position, I would find a replacement. There is a word for such a choice: Responsibility.

The Coordinator says that, instead of getting upset, I might sing again at my accompanist's convenience and record it. That does not work, for my performance cannot be repeated in the real sense.

I know the student only by his first name, Alec. I don't know how anyone could be so irresponsible.

Incidentally, your paper incorrectly reported the name of my piano accompanyist. ("The Bates Student," September 19) I gave a concert with Mr. Frank Glazer, NOT Mark Howard.

Sincerely,

Atsuko Hirai
Professor of History