Opera singer ‘asked to change pro-EU dress’ at Royal Albert Hall concert
Written by News on 26/03/2019
An opera singer was asked to change her pro-EU dress at a Royal Albert Hall concert as the colours were deemed “too provocative”, her husband has claimed.
Soprano Anna Patalong was wearing a yellow ball gown with a blue sash and a necklace made up of gold stars.
Her husband, baritone singer Benedict Nelson, posted on Twitter: “Today my wife was asked to change her dress from yellow and blue at the RAH as the colours were too provocative.”
He continued: “She was told complaints had been made. Anna is an incredibly brave woman, and I think what she did with the music and colours she wore in the first place took bravery, even though it was tasteful and subtle.
“But of course she had fears over future work and potentially also safety.”
Mr Nelson said he was not sure the order to change the dress came from the Royal Albert Hall, which was hosting the concert.
One commenter, who was at the concert and voted Remain, said she felt the dress was “inappropriate”.
Angela Whelan said: “In my opinion the public paid to come to a classical music concert and not a political rally.”
Ms Patalong posted on Instagram shortly before the concert, showing off her dress and saying: “Rocking some EU colours for tonight’s concert”.
She also used the hashtags “#peoplesvote” and “#revokearticle50”.
A week before the event, she had shared a picture of EU and British flags and said: “Getting my flags ready for next week’s little sing-song”.
She was performing in Classical Spectacular at the London venue when the incident happened.
On Saturday, the soprano also posted a photo at the People’s Vote march for a second EU referendum with Independent Group members Chuka Umunna and Anna Soubry.
Ms Patalong made her Royal Opera debut in 2013 and is a prolific recitalist.
The concert’s promoter has been approached for comment.
(c) Sky News 2019: Opera singer ‘asked to change pro-EU dress’ at Royal Albert Hall concert
