Attending an opera in the past required a formal gown, elbow-length gloves and jewels for the ladies, while men were expected to don a top hat and tails. As opera has become more accessible to the masses, the dress code for opera performances has relaxed as well. Cocktail dresses, slacks, skirts and a blouse are acceptable for women, while men can wear slacks and an office-appropriate shirt. If you're attending the gala opening of an opera or visiting one of the Europe's grand opera houses, check the company's website for specific wardrobe instructions. No matter what you wear, avoid cologne, aftershave and perfume. Tight seating quarters, coupled with prolonged exposure to perfume, can cause headaches for your fellow attendees.
There is no such thing as "fashionably late" when it comes to opera. With many performances lasting three to four hours each, operas must start on time. Many opera houses won't seat guests who arrive after the curtain rises, making them wait to take their seats until intermission. Leave for the opera with plenty of time to allow for traffic, parking and ticket lines. Any visits to the restroom should occur before the start of the performance, as some opera houses won't allow guests to return to their seats if they leave in the middle of the act.
Whispering, talking and fussing with your program are distracting. Scan a synopsis of the opera before the performance so you can follow the plot without interrupting the proceedings with questions. Pay attention to the supertitles; most opera houses flash the translations of the opera's lyrics on a screen above the stage so you can follow along with the singers. If these tips don't answer your questions, close your eyes and let yourself be carried away by the music. As with all theatrical entertainments, good manners dictate that cell phones must be turned off -- not silenced nor set to vibrate -- at the start of the opera.
Performing in an opera requires the strength, focus and stamina of a professional athlete, but cheering for a show-stopping aria calls for something more refined than the shrieks and grunts of a sporting event. "Bravo" is the most common cheer heard at an opera. Some opera patrons prefer to call "brava" for female singers and "bravo" for male performers. "Bravi" is used to praise a group of singers. Opera is frequently punctuated by bursts of applause, so be prepared to cheer throughout the performance. Wait for the audience around you to begin clapping to avoid interrupting a key scene or dramatic moment.