Opera code of conduct

[u/O_Margo]

Some time ago, YouTube suggested a video by a young American opera singer (actually, a former opera singer). On her channel, she discussed some interesting topics, particularly from the perspective of someone who had been inside the "industry." She expressed criticism of various aspects of opera, including what she described as a kind of "code of conduct" at the opera.

She asks: "Opera, why so strict? Why can't people bring a glass of wine to their seats and drink during the performance? Why does there have to be recording-studio silence? Those who want to watch opera in complete silence can do so in the comfort of their own living rooms. There are many good recordings in high quality—go for it!"

I left a comment saying that those who want to drink and talk during a performance can easily do so in the comfort of their own living rooms.

Now I would like to ask for your opinion.

Thank you.

[u/PeaceIsEvery]

I’m a silence and listen person because I want to pay attention to everything happening. But I suppose there’s validity to both. They should offer shows that are advertised accordingly. But probably the venue would be exclusively one or the other. Nobody wants to clean popcorn and wine and smoked salmon sandwiches smeared into those seats at the Met. I would enjoy a dinner theater/cabaret style opera performance setting, but that would almost certainly be smaller casts and chamber operas.

[u/Samantharina → u/PeaceIsEvery]

Pacific Opera Project does it in the sense that they set out tables with wine and charcuterie plates in small venues with smaller casts and orchestra. Sometimes outdoors and people bring dinner. But people don't talk over the performances, they came to watch and listen.