Any Seattle Opera goers?

[skinimini]

DH and I are heading to Seattle in early August for Wagner's Ring Cycle. Does anyone have any feedback about the dressiness of these events, especially on opening night? Here in Atlanta, the opera is a pretty formal affair. I did a search on the internet, but really didn't find any hints about opera fashion in the NW.

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

[shootingstar]

I've only been to the opera 3 times (and 2 of them were baroque operas since we were subscribers for several years to a baroque instrumental group that perform-toured internationally).

If it's just you and hubby going to opera in a city you don't know much about, you can't go wrong with a knee-length dress/skirt plus light jacket or gauzy large scarf-coverup if the dress/top is abit bare.

I suspect Seattle, is like Vancouver BC, where there are social galas here too (though we don't have friends that are part of this "esteemed/hip" circle ), with some people of some wealth, but overall, the Northwest Coast is abit more accepting of a broader range of dress styles at formal occasions. (ie. I wouldn't bother with a long dress for opera at a city that wasn't my home city. No one knows me.)

To me in terms of cultural ambience and people in general, Seattle, to me feels similiar to Vancouver....culturally diverse, sophisticated, some wealth but also innovative and open to new ideas/dress.

If you are going cycling during vacation, then a short dress is just less baggage to deal with... This is my ultimate guide since for some trips, I've had to pack dressy clothing for formal event combined with multiple days of cycling when on vacation. I hate dragging around extra weight.

[teigyr]

I have not been to the opera here but I've been in Los Angeles. The fashion there can range wildly. What I've noticed up here in Seattle (from good restaurants to symphony) is that it can be REALLY casual. I've seen people dressed nicely and I've also seen people in shorts. Really.

Dress as to how you feel good, I think. Simple and classic always works.

[Eden]

I'd agree with Teigyr - in this town, it can be almost anything goes. I've seen jeans and tees at the symphony, but I've never been to the opera. (I would guess opening night might get people out of their Tevas and wool socks at least....)

Mimi and her husband, I believe, volunteer usher there sometimes. If she doesn't chime in, maybe try pm'ing her.

[shootingstar]

I have not been to the opera here but I've been in Los Angeles. The fashion there can range wildly. What I've noticed up here in Seattle (from good restaurants to symphony) is that it can be REALLY casual. I've seen people dressed nicely and I've also seen people in shorts. Really.

Dress as to how you feel good, I think. Simple and classic always works.

I've seen the casual at the opera in Toronto (10 years ago, at Canadian Opera Company) and when we went to classical (baroque) instrumental concerts for a few years, people just wore whatever they felt like. I hesitated to mention this initially since it's been a few years I've attended opera.

The opera companies want people of all ages, to enjoy their productions, they would rather get paid attendees rather than fuss over standards on being dressy.

Probably would be different, if it was an opera fundraising event when tickets are abit more.

[smilingcat]

Time sure have changed... not sure if its good thing or a bad thing.

Wagner oui... Are you seeing all of them or just one or two in the series?

[Biciclista]

We attend the Seattle opera 3-5 times a year. If you like to dress up, you can have a blast doing it.
We go in our bike duds



I've seen teenagers in pajamas and ladies in sequins. Wear what you like

[skinimini]

Thanks for the tips! I'll probably dress up for opening night, then relax a little for the others.

Mimi, I don't think I've ever seen anyone in dress-up bike duds anywhere--that is so cool!

Smilingcat--yes I'm going to all four, plus some lectures here and there. I'm a total Wagnerite. He was one strange dude, but I love the music. I've been planning this trip for two years.

Shootingstar, we're going to Vancouver several days before--I'm really looking forward to that.

Also, to you all in Seattle, I'm hoping to get a little riding in while I'm there. Any favorite bike shops where I can rent a bicycle? Any favorite rides for an out-of-towner? We're staying in Belltown, and we'll have a car.

Thanks again for all your help.

[Biciclista]

from Belltown, it's less than 1/2 mile to get to Myrtle Edwards Park and ride the trail that will take you to ballard and fremont and the Burke Gilman trail.
(leave the car behind!)
There's a bike shop (Elliott Bay Bikes) right near the Pike Place Market, but I don't know where you can rent a bike. The last out of towners I know of that rented, rented bikes from Montlake Bicycles, which is unfortunately in Kirkland.
Oh, here's a list;
http://www.ibike.org/ibike/salish/bicycle-rental.htm
REI is close, and so is Play it Again Sports and Recycled Cycles.

[shootingstar]

If you will be in downtown Vancouver, believe me, you will itch to bike and you will see more beautiful areas by bike, that is faster than walking. Some of the best views are by bike along some routes not accessible to cars. Several bike rental shops downtown near major hotels and bike routes. You can also kayak downtown.

However no doubt you want to see lots. Whistler?

another area that's 26 kms. away from home. Or kayak here.
Welcome to Vancouver. (Area below has lots of hiking in North Vancouver, mountain areas known for mtn. biking.)

[skinimini]

Thanks guys for all the suggestions. I will certainly check into the places you mentioned. Most likely, we'll park the car for most of our visit. But, we will need it for trips here and there during our stay in Vancouver and Seattle. Our son lives in Olympia, so we'll be visiting him.

I love the Pacific NW so much, I am really looking forward to this trip. Thanks again!