Amid a trend of relaxed dress codes in many performance spaces, La Scala's commitment to formal attire resonates with its core values as a premier cultural institution. Paolo Besana, a spokesperson for the opera house, emphasized the necessity of maintaining minimum dress standards to welcome everyone while preserving an air of sophistication.
The storied venue's decision comes as European opera houses grapple with balancing traditional experiences with the need to attract a younger audience. While some view the enforcement of a strict dress code as outdated, others argue that attending the opera should always feel like an occasion worth dressing up for.
Critics share mixed feelings, with some believing that the essence of opera lies in the performance itself rather than the attire of the attendees. Nevertheless, La Scala's clear stance has placed it back in the spotlight, reaffirming the importance of maintaining an elegant atmosphere during performances at one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses.
The storied venue's decision comes as European opera houses grapple with balancing traditional experiences with the need to attract a younger audience. While some view the enforcement of a strict dress code as outdated, others argue that attending the opera should always feel like an occasion worth dressing up for.
Critics share mixed feelings, with some believing that the essence of opera lies in the performance itself rather than the attire of the attendees. Nevertheless, La Scala's clear stance has placed it back in the spotlight, reaffirming the importance of maintaining an elegant atmosphere during performances at one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses.
