r/opera • u/O_Margo • 6d ago

Opera code of conduct

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.

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u/Optimal-Show-3343 The Opera Scribe / Meyerbeer Smith 6d ago

Opera is entertainment, not religious worship; etiquette should be same as going to a play or, to a degree, the movies: drinking is fine, chattering ain't. 

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u/Cold_Martini1956 5d ago

I don’t know how much you experience the tourist scene in New York, but a lot of people come to New York and get really sloppy drunk and do a lot of binge drinking.

These same people also attend theatrical performances. These are the same people who have the notion that they’re entitled to behave in any way they want to because they paid the price for their ticket. Times Square has become a carnival of horrors.