for other musicians, what would you wear in this situation?

Question

I am playing a concerto with an orchestra. what do you think i should wear? any suggestions?

I'm a female, by the way :-)

I play viola, just FYI.

I may or may not be the soloist for the entire concert. The conductor has mentioned that the orchestra might play the whole piece, not just the movement that I auditioned with. Or he might just have me play that one movement and have the orchestra play some other pieces as well. In that case, I would not be the soloist for the whole concert.

Answer 1

Black and White. Either a Tux if you are male, or a long black dress if you are female. It should be loose enough to facilitate proper posture and playing position, but vaguely flattering. When in doubt, ask the concertmaster or conductor. Keep all jewelry (of either sex) to a minimum, and try to remember to remove all timepieces and communication devices before taking the stage. Black shoes and black socks or hose are the preferred compliment to the outfit. Believe it or not, most musicians prefer glasses to contacts in situations like these, because glasses are at least slightly more comfortable and are less likely to make you have to leave the stage. You do not mention what instrument you play, but if it is piano, avoid heels. I have seen several situations where the individual took off their footwear to play, only to be embarrassed by their choice of hosiery when they stood up for the obligatory bow! Hope this helps.

Answer 2

If you're a featured soloist throughout an entire piece, I would wear something classy and feminine. Since you are the soloist, you are able to wear color. Avoid puffy dresses and too-tall heels. Also, consider ability to move. You don't want something constricting your arms from moving the bow, and you don't want something to get caught on your chinrest.
Be careful with tops that expose your chest and know the proper bow so you have no "wardrobe malfunctions."

In your question you don't indicate if you are the soloist for the concerto. If you are not the soloist, I would stick with all black attire (ie: black pantsuit or a black dress that goes no higher than below your knees). You don't want to draw attention away from the soloist.

Edit:
I recently had a professor play a duet with our orchestra, and she did something rather wonderful: She wore a colored jacket to go with a black blouse and a long black skirt. She wore something with color to distinguish herself from the ensemble, and when she joined the orchestra to play English Horn, she took off the jacket so she was wearing black.

Standard performance practice dictates that the ensemble wears black unless indicated by the conductor. Soloists get to wear color (but don't go overboard, use your common sense).

I hope you get something useful out of everyone's answer!

Answer 3

Well it depends what the orchestra is wearing.

A lot of times women in an orchestra wear black dresses. Go ahead and wear a nice black dress or something. If you are going to play in the section i would aim to look good but not to flashy!

Answer 4

Depends on how formal the concert is! I generally go business clothes. The classic black pants and top! Or u could chose a 'bling bling' top to distinguish yourself. Whatever you are comfortable in! If you are comfortable trhen your audience will be!

Answer 5

Oh, I play viola too! I'd wear a simple dress, pretty, but nothing too fancy. Some nice jewelry too, but again, not too fancy. But NOT casual. I'd wear my hair down in loose waves.
For the dress, maybe a simple little black dress?

Answer 6

A dark blue or black suit with a off white tie.

Answer 7

I would wear nice black pants and a white or black blouse. That is what I wear for my concerts. I hope this helps! =D

Answer 8

I would choose a black skirt and white dressy blouse.

Answer 9

um either

-a black button up shirt with white, blue or black tie

-black suit w/ white shirt and white or black tie

good luck =D

Answer 10

suit n tie