FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What is the dress code at opera houses?

In common with the general relaxation of formality over the past few years, so ‘some of the ‘starchiness’ has been removed from formal dress codes at most of the major opera houses. For example, it is not uncommon to see T-shirt and jeans-clad patrons alongside those attired more formally in suits (men) and, now rarely, dinner jackets or tuxedos. In our experience we find ladies are invariably impeccably dressed and enjoy the occasion to the full.

Our advice? Follow your own instincts. If, gentlemen, when you attend the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden you feel most comfortable in a lounge suit, then follow that abroad. If you regularly attend in a smart pair of trousers and a dark jacket, this is equally acceptable.

However, there are some exceptions which need to be addressed. Bayreuth and Salzburg tend to be much more formal and evening dress (dinner jacket/white tuxedo) is de rigueur . We suggest you follow suit!

On the other hand, the open-air arenas in Italy are very much more casual and informal (however, we have seen the occasional fur coat in the Poltronissime Gold seats at Verona – it can be chilly once the sun goes down). We hope this is helpful but please do not hesitate to contact us if you require further advice.

How can I understand the plot if I do not speak the language?

Recent years have seen an enormous improvement at a great many venues of the introduction or surtitles (the provision of a translation into sometimes more than one language from the original language in which the opera has been written). These surtitles are most usually found running along a display at the top of the stage for all to see. Increasingly, (in particular, at the ROH, The Met in New York, and at Teatro alla Scala in Milan) these invaluable translations can be found on the seat backs in the auditorium.

Why cannot you sometimes confirm the performance tickets immediately, when I want to make my booking?

This is, we realise, infuriating and we do our best to avoid such occurrences. Although we have excellent relationships with the box office managements we are, ultimately, in the hands of the theatre management. In the vast majority of cases, it is quite understandable that the long-standing patrons, benefactors and supporters have first call. This is normally a month or so before the tickets are put on open sale. We, of course, will have made our requests known well in advance and, normally, will be given first priority before the tickets go on general sale.

Is it cheaper for me to book direct, ‘on-line’ with the opera houses?

Not necessarily. And if you should make a mistake in the transaction (e.g. wrong date, wrong month, wrong performance or wrong seat type) you may not have no recourse to a satisfactory solution (except by an extremely long-winded process conducted in a foreign language, assuming you can even track down the right person with whom to take up your issue – even if they are interested!). By booking with Opera in Style you have immediate recourse to corrective measures and as a valued client we will move heaven and earth to ensure you get what you want.

How much do you ‘mark up’ your performance tickets?

First of all, we are not a ticket agent and certainly not touts! We are providing you with a full service and support to ensure you have a wonderful, trouble-free travel experience. Consequently, it is not our policy to inflate the cost of tickets purchased for performances. On some, rare, occasions when we must purchase tickets from a ‘third party’ these are partners with whom we have conducted business on a regular basis for many years but where, we must pay a small brokerage fee. Again, we do not inflate this amount.