No one will throw you out of Rudolfinum for inappropriate clothing. We welcome anyone with open ears and an open heart. However, the Dvořák Hall concerts are festive occasions and your personal contribution to the event in terms of what you choose to wear would be much appreciated!
Don't be fooled by TV broadcasts of the Czech Philharmonic's new season opening, or the Vienna Philharmonic New Year's concert. Indeed, you don’t see ladies in big evening dresses and gentlemen adorned with tailcoats or tuxedos at every classical music concert.
At most Rudolfinum concerts, you will come across different styles of clothing and you’ll even sometimes meet guests in shirt and jeans. In terms of dress code etiquette, you will observe anything from Casual to Black Tie.
So you don't have to overdo the formality. Choose your attire according to when the event takes place (afternoon, or evening concert?) and how important it is (opening or gala concert in addition to the "regular" subscription concert).
Some organizers include a dress code on the ticket or invitation. We recommend that you follow it. If the dress code is not stated, dress elegantly and comfortably.
If you want to strike just the right balance and play it safe, you can never go wrong with a Dark Suit or Business Formal dress code. What does that mean in practice?
For ladies, suitable choices include a knee-length (or similarly appropriate) dress, a tailored suit, or a skirt paired with an elegant top. The outfit doesn’t have to be black. If the dress is sleeveless, you may wish to add a scarf, bolero, or a light cardigan.
Gentlemen are advised to wear dark, full-length trousers with a shirt or another appropriate top, ideally complemented by a dark jacket. A tie or bow tie is optional.
For practical reasons, it’s best to keep jewelry and fragrance understated. The clinking of bracelets can be distracting to those around you, and strong perfumes or colognes may irritate sensitive noses.
You may notice such outfits at the Rudolfinum in the evening as well. However, this is not necessarily because their wearers are unaware of how to dress appropriately. More often, they are tourists who have taken the opportunity to attend a concert. Evening gowns or suits are not typically part of a travel suitcase, and musicians appreciate every attentive and enthusiastic listener.
That said, whenever possible, an effort to dress in a more formal or elegant manner is always appreciated.
With earlier day times or more relaxed events, the formality of the outfit eases. Your attire can range from a much broader range to something of the Smart Casual or even Business Casual styles.
Just like in the evening, ladies can opt for cocktail dresses, but formal trousers and a more formal top, such as a blouse or blouse, are also perfectly fine. Indeed, you can combine the top with a skirt as well.
Gentlemen may opt for dark trousers and a shirt, or even a suit in a lighter color.
This includes, for example, the opening and New Year's gala concerts of the Czech Philharmonic, opening festival concerts, and other events that have an extraordinary atmosphere. These concerts often have a recommended dress code–usually Black Tie. Even at these events, however, you will be able to wear a festive Dark Suit.
For ladies, an evening gown is expected—that is, a long formal dress—paired with closed-toe or strappy shoes.
Gentlemen typically wear a black (or midnight blue) tuxedo, or a dark suit with a tie or bow tie, along with dark lace-up shoes or formal dress shoes.
