When I attend a classical music concert, I often find myself reflecting on the atmosphere and the traditions that shape the event. The music itself is, of course, magnificent. Yet the rituals surrounding stage entrances and manners sometimes appear out of step with contemporary values.
For example, there are moments when female performers enter or leave the stage first, under the custom of “ladies first.” Many in the audience may regard this as a beautiful gesture of respect. But from my perspective—having studied feminism seriously for several years—it feels more like a remnant of patriarchal values, rooted in the idea of protecting “fragile women.” In that sense, it stands in contradiction to the principle of gender equality.
A concert is not only a place to enjoy music; it is also a mirror reflecting social values. That is why, along with the lingering resonance of the music, I cannot help but contemplate the meaning of such traditions, suspended between heritage and equality.
