What’s the dress code for visiting a classical music performance in a fancy concert hall where you live?

21 comments

1. A nice shirt, doesn’t have to be a dress-shirt, and some clean pants. Also footwear.

   Dress codes aren’t really a thing at Danish theatres and concert halls any longer; ofc. you’re expected to be wearing clothes, but most Danes everyday clothing would be nice enough. I’ve never seen anyone be turned away, neither at theatres nor concert halls. If we are talking about a special occasion, like a gala performance, there _might_ be a dress code for the invited guests, but people buying the tickets just in the door, can wear whatever.

   Dress codes are seen as something very old-fashioned and out of touch, and somewhat elitist, so institutions tend to not have them. The Royal Danish Theatre writes on their website:

   > In general, you could say, that there are no requirements to the dress of the audience. Large hats, that could limit other members of the audience’s view wouldn’t be accepted, and if you’re wearing bathing shorts, you might get some odd looks, but you aren’t going to be turned away in the door. The only exceptions [as mentioned above] are gala performance, where there might be requirements to the audience’s dress. If that is the case, audience members will be informed in advance.

   Personally, when I go to performances, I usually wear some nice pants and a nice top, either a nice pullover or a nice overshirt, and that’s about it. White shirts and ties are too formal for me, and something I only wear if there is an expectation of me to wear it.

2. I usually treat these as an occasion -an excuse to smarten up a bit. I dress quite casually in daily life because I bike a lot and my workplace has no dress code, so if I am going out to a concert I would wear a nicer dress and high heels. Men wear nice shirts, trousers and smart shoes. Some wear suits, but it is not standard or required. Then again, some people just dress like every day, others dress like they are going to a wedding. I think the most important thing is that the event remains accessible, and people don’t get discouraged from attending just because they think they have to dress in a certain way.

3. You could dress however you like, as long as your dick and titties aren’t hanging out. Most are probably going to dress at least a bit smart, but it’s not required.

   The Q&A section on the webpage of the National Opera and Ballet actually touches on this, and states that it’s for everybody and you can dress however you wish. Which is a good thing imo, if a formal attire was required it’d make it impossible to go to an opera or a ballet for some.

4. “Smart Casual” is probably the norm, but they will let you in regardless.

   Don’t know much about concert halls specifically, but for operas it depends on the venue. Vienna’s “state opera” is typically expecting nicer dress, the “people’s opera” is rather relaxed. I still wouldn’t go there in a T-shirt.

5. No dress code here. The audience is mixed – from superformal to Jeans and Band-T-Shirt.

6. For men a suit or at least suit pants with white shirt, for women a modest dress, a pantsuit, or a loneger skirt with a nice blouse. All these options in mute colors with maybe just a small accent. And stockings, always.

7. If you sit in the front rows, a certain style is required: suit and tie for men, elegant dress for women. If you sit in the dais you can wear whatever you want.

   Same for open air theatres like the Arena of Verona: elegant style for front rows and gallery (i don’t know if the terms are correct, i’m talking about the top tier seats, usually booked for important guests), at least long trousers and a nice shirt for central seats, whatever you want for the side seats and the steps.

   I rarely go to Opera performances, but people is always pretty elegant.

8. Damn, people really don’t care. I prefer something a bit better than jeans and a t-shirt. Especially if it’s a classical music concert or ballet or opera.

9. I often go to the Philharmonie de Paris wearing jeans and a hoodie and ive never had anyone say anything to me about it, the same goes for the Elbphilarmonie, you can dress as you wish really as long as it’s not vulgar

10. for my local concerts (Gdańsk/Łomża) i wear just my work stuff – so smart-casual/business casual.

    Have not been on big fancy concerts though

11. Dress however you want. It won’t affect your capability to hear and enjoy the music 😉

    Personally it depends on my mood. Sometimes I treat it as a fancy night out with my partner so I dress up + makeup, sometimes I go with jeans and sneakers because I can’t be arsed. Anything in between works as well. It also depends if how much time I have to get ready if any (going right after work for example).

12. If I went to a classical concert this fancy in a place this prestigious I’d consider a full suit, but so far at smaller concerts I’ve always fit in nicely in “smart casual” with some clean neutral shoes, straight dark denims, a button up dress shirt and a sports jacket.

13. Musikverein or Staatsoper, I’d go in a fine suit with fitting shirt and tie.

14. In Lithuania were aren’t any dress codes. And that is extremely sad. People go to an opera premiere in jeans and sneakers! I always dress up – a dress or a suit, high heels, full makeup.
    It is in order to show respect for the place, for the art being performed and fellow people attending. This year for the New Years opera in The National Opera and Ballet Theater there was a dress code – black tie, but very few people actually dressed accordingly.

15. Before Covid, I used to go to concerts regularly in London – including the Royal Albert which you mention. There is no dress code. You can wear what you like, but I suppose self respect means I am not likely to go in my gardening clothes.

    Incidentally, what do you mean by “fancy”? I have only ever heard the word used that way by hick town Americans – and then only in old cowboy movies. If the halls you list you describe as “fancy” then what would be a concert hall that *isn’t* “fancy”?

16. In my town the symphony/opera theater is attended mostly by elderly people. I think they are so desperate to get young people in that they would accept you even if you showed up in your pajama.

    I actually believe the lowering of standards on dress code at these types of events (within the limits of decency) is an excellent thing. More focus on the music and less on formalities.

17. In a fancy concert hall fancy dress code is preferable, however they will not kick you out if you come in shorts and a polo shirt.

18. Premiere usually means suit and tie minimum. For an opera or balet it can be white tie or black tie. The closer you get to the end of the season, the cheaper the prices will be and the worse people will be dressed as the clientele shifts.

19. Usually smart casual will do, basically as long as you’re “clean” and don’t come in dirty broken sweatpants, anything is fine. I would put in a little extra effort if it’s a premiere or some other special event.

    Personally I usually go for black jeans with a nice blouse or blazer or a simple dress, not too different from my work (office) attire.

20. I always go casual. It’s a matter of principle, classical music should be for everyone, not just for people who can afford fancy suits or dresses. I also shout and cheer if I really liked the concert, but I’m usually among the few who do that. If it’s an opera I will also cheer if someone really nails an aria. Otherwise I save it all for the end of the concert.

    It’s become more normal to go casual nowadays, but I remember like 15-20 years ago people would ask me if I was visiting it for school credits. It clearly wasn’t normal yet back then.

21. Dark/black Suit, black shirt – but I normally dont wear a tie – last time is quite a while ago. When the concert is at the Salzburg Festival in the evening, it is ususal to wear this… Or at the Musikverein in Vienna, when the Philharmoniker do the concert.