Why do orchestras wear such formal clothes?
At many times in the recent past, orchestras have tried different forms of dress for symphony concerts, attempting to change the perhaps old-fashioned image for a more modern and ‘with-it’ look. Black polo necks, patterned dresses (for the ladies, of course!), coloured shirts for everyone- all have been tried. So why have these new ideas not caught on? It seems that the traditional black, with a touch of white, sets the scene best in the concert hall for an event which is, in itself, somewhat formal. This unified (and subdued) look also doesn’t interfere with the overall impact. It gives an air of stature and dignity as well as allowing the instruments to stand out more clearly against the homogenous background.
