"Pinkaurora" - were you in America when you were playing? Europe is a bit different. Some venues are casual, but the top halls are formal. Especially the better sections/seats.

I remember one of my friends getting some nasty looks from people when he walked in wearing shorts to the ballet in Prague, during the main season. I've always dressed up for concerts, but I pull out all the stops when I attend one in Europe. It makes it feel like more of a special night out, anyway.

One can probably wear jeans in the very top section of most halls, even for an important concert, though. Personally, I'm not offended as a performer if someone looks neat, but is wearing casual clothes. If they are really into the show, then I'm glad they are there. If they are dressed up, snoring, and their cell phone goes off 5 times, they should have just stayed home.

amp - both the US and Europe. I've always felt the dressing up was more for the sake of the other people attending - "see how rich I am with my gowns and baubles and trinkets" and "look at me, all dressed up and cultured at a concert!" In the end, the person in the audience has paid for the ticket. While I wouldn't wear beach colthes in a concert hall myself, why whould I care what he or she is wearing? It really isn't my problem. There are better things to worry about in my opinion.

Now I agree that people do dress up for the sake of the other people attending, but I disagree with what you say about their motives.
If you enter a beautiful opera house, all mirrors, gold-leaf and red carpets, it adds to the glamour of the whole experience to see beautiful dresses and jewels.

Yes, for regular non-touristy performances, dressy black slacks are fine. If, however, it is an opening night for the performance, you might want long skirt instead.

Opera during the "regular" season (November) will have mainly locals who will be dressed up. Evening pants and dressy top will be fine, but a pretty scarf will help the outfit. For a special performance we were told it was appropriate to wear "decorations". Had no idea what that meant until we got there and saw people with satin sashes with metals on them. We had none.

Wow! Thanks for the heads up about the "decorations" Elainee! I will bring something just in case. We haven't reserved any tickets to any performances yet. Does the "decorations" refer to only special satin/silk scarves? Or can I bring super fancy costume jewelry?? Thanks!

goddesstogo-I'm choked up with laughter right now - thanks for that reply-that made my day!

I have orchestra tickets to "La Traviata" at the Staatsoper in October. I plan to dress formally, but not in an evening or floor length gown. I am choosing my attire partly based upon my seat location and partly because I enjoy dressing up--not merely to impress other attendees.

However, shiuri, if you want to see an opera, it would be wise to get your tickets as soon as possible since they sell very fast, especially if you want very good or particular seats. I got my tickets on June 1 (the first day they went on sale)via the Staatsoper website, and many seats had been sold already.

Thanks Delaine! Gotta jump on tickets tonight!

Delaine! I was just online right now looking for Mozart concert tickets at the Staatsoper. You weren't kidding when you said tickets sell out FAST! They are already SOLD OUT! Where did you buy your tickets from?

Decorations are awards or medals not jewelry.

Visitors should recognize that many in the audience of places like the Musikverein, State Opera and Volksoper are local subscription holders ( abbonement) They buy the various offerings , often the same seats for many years and get to know the various other subscrition holders near to them - if nothing else by sight or just saying Good Evening.. I have had a subscription for some years those seating in the 3 rows in front of me the same people. Some buy added subscriptions and gift an evening to friends, relatives and associates. Attending is often part of a nice evening out including dining before or after the offering.
Most do not dress to impress others , merely dress as part of a very nice evening out. Also as respect for the venue and performers.

As for the poster who performed in the orchestra pit.

I do not believe that you did this in a Vienna venue like the OPera , Volksoper or Musikverein.

These orchestras have long standing performers who have made music their life, a long time of studying ,auditioned for the full time job and normally make this a long time profession. They are concerned about the tradition of the house and appreciate knowledgeable , respectful people on the stage and in the audience.

Thanks Molker for your reply! That is very good to know! I had no idea that decorations were medals. And it would only make sense that people dressed up for the evening out of respect to the performers, other attendees, and to the venue, which was I asked if it was more appropriate to wear dressy black slacks or a dress to a performance. I am looking forward to attending one of these performances! Even if I have the worst seat in the house! ^_^

"...."Last time I was in Vienna I was surprised by how many women wore nothing but a thong covered by a black pashmina."

And geez louise, those cheap velvet seats itch like a bitch! ... "

Goddess : LOL !!!! Really LOL !
I must be attending all the wrong concerts !

Poster making comments about pashimas and velvet seats probably bought a ticket from a guy on the street- thinking Lap Dance and Pole Dance were part of an ethnic evening of dance and music.

At the State Opera - few bad seats - only some in 2nd or 3rd rows of side boxes can be a sight problem to the stage.

Most others OK and generally good acoutics .

I have been a performer for many years in symphony orchestras (as well as performing in pit orchestras). It is amazing how differently people dress for symphony orchestra concerns around the county. For example, I've played for years in symphony orchestras that are about 2 hours apart in the midwest. In one city, we always play two concerts - and people really dress up. The performances are in the evening. In the other city, there is one performance (usually in the evening, although some are on Sunday afternoons) and people regularly come in jeans, tshirts, etc. While I'm always glad that people care enough to attend, it makes it more special to me when attendees care enough to dress up.

I wear black jeans or other black pants to the opera here in Valencia or in London...no difference to me.
And I buy tickets anywhere in the House but the upper sections because I have vertigo above more or less the second floor I don't look at how the others are dressed... I suppose everyone tries to be comfortable with themselves.
Dressing much more than I use to doesn't add anything to my experience, I wouldn't be wearing snickers and beach things though. That said I avoid premieres and Gala events

Kenderina : Only we are allowed to wear a snicker on our face ... with a thong in our hearts !!!

Dressy lacks, nice trousers, pedal pushers are all male derived dress. They are never suitable for a formal occasion if one wants to be dressed properly for the event. Has anyone ever seen a male appearing in a nice black dress? Certainly you may wear whatever you please but without the proper gear you will never get to a post-opera party or more likely a good table for the late dinner. After spending all this money to get to Vienna why not finish in style?

Golly, pants have been acceptable business and evening wear -- even formal evening wear -- for women for what? about 40 years now?

I bought my seats directly from the Staatsoper website (www.staatsoper.at). Unfortunately, the page where you actually order tickets is in German. I just used a free internet translator site for the words that I didn't know. You can also use the "Contact Us" e-mail function on the site to request tickets. You will then receive a letter telling you how to pay for and pick up your tickets.

Before I had purchased the tickets I checked with the concierge of the hotel at which I will be staying to see if he could obtain tickets for me. He said that he could but that it would be more expensive as he would use a ticket agent. If tickets on the Staatsoper website are sold out, I would suggest contacting the concierge of the hotel where you will be staying or contacting the concierge of a large hotel near the Staatsoper, such as the Bristol, Imperial, Sacher or Grand Hotel Wien (where I will be), explaining your situation, and asking the name of a reputable ticket agent and their contact information. I would, of course, follow up with a tip when in Vienna. Alternatively, you could search the internet for an agent yourself.