It is difficult to understand why the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra male musicians dress in tuxedos and white bows for formal evening events, such as the New Year’s Concert held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre last Sunday, while female musicians wear anything so long that it is black.

White tie or full evening dress is the most formal dress code. The female corresponding attire should be a black dress.

Male musicians are therefore in the smartest uniform gowns, irrelevant of their personal tastes, styles and characters. Nonetheless, I get the impression that the females wear anything they find in their wardrobe. Their wear is determined by age and fashion. A middle aged performer may dress in a shiny top – the norm of sixties evening wear, a younger musician may wear a skimpy top and a minimalist jacket or cardigan, and a more conservative musician wears a suit or matching blouse and trousers.

Needless to say, this looks far from professional. It is an aspect on which even the least observant male members of the audience or televiewers comment year after year.

Although I never had the opportunity to attend a concert of the sort in Vienna or Venice, I never remember watching any foreign orchestra in such mismatched attire on television.

On the other hand, local amateur choirs and orchestras have uniform gowns, suits and blouses.

Shouldn’t the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra invest in uniform evening gowns and perhaps less formal wear for lighter occasions, for its female members?

A Vella

Birkirkara