Opera singer 'forced to change pro-EU blue and yellow dress after complaints it was too provocative'

An opera singer was forced to change the pro-EU dress she wore during a Royal Albert Hall concert after people complained it was "too provocative", her husband has claimed.

Anna Patalong performed at the Classical Spectacular at the prestigious venue on Saturday and Sunday, but had to make a last-minute change to her yellow ball gown with a blue waistband because of complaints.

The performer’s husband, Benedict Nelson, 35, told the Standard: “I think it’s worrying that someone should be told what they can and cannot wear”.

Ms Patalong shared a picture of her outfit on Instagram ahead of the performance, along with the caption: "Rocking some EU colours for tonight's concert."

Mr Nelson, from London, said his wife had performed at the classic music event on Saturday, the same day as the People’s Vote march in central London.

The following day the singer was told her performance had attracted a complaint because of her dress and she was asked to wear different clothes for her Sunday performance, Mr Nelson said.

He said: “On Sunday, they said they had had a small complaint and they said it would be better if she wore a different dress.

“She was upset that it had been seen as a political statement. It’s ridiculous. At best, it’s someone wearing a dress.”

Mr Nelson added the performance also featured Union Jack flags and his wife, a remain voter, “would never” object to someone wearing a British flag dress, if that were the case.

For Sunday's performance, Mr Nelson said Ms Patalong changed into a red dress.

Mr Nelson criticised the incident on Twitter, writing: “Yesterday a man was ejected from the Royal Opera House for wearing a pro EU T-shirt.

“Today my wife was asked to change her dress from yellow and blue at the Royal Albert Hall as the colours were too provocative.

“Two artistic venues people. Anyone who knows their history knows what that sounds like”.

Mr Nelson also posted an image of his wife’s performance outfit, adding: “If you can't enjoy a three hour concert because a performer wears some visible gold stars for three minutes of it, you need to have a word with yourself.”

Commenting on the post, Angela Whelan wrote: “As a remainer who was at the RAH concert, I feel you have omitted a small but not so minor detail in your original post. Your wife looked as beautiful as she sounded in her yellow dress with blue sash. However, as the concert progressed some yellow stars appeared on the sash.

“In my opinion, the public paid t come to a classical music concert and not a political rally. As much as I applaud your wife for having to quite literally nail her colours to the mast, I feel it was inappropriate to do it at a concert.”

Mr Nelson replied to point out his wife had worn a starry necklace and a Union Jack was also waved as part of the concert.

His post also attracted support, as Rupert Enticknap wrote: “This is terrifying proof of the state of opera and classical music today, its lack of political engagement as an art form, and total white washing of criticality from artists who are essential to the art! Does this happen in visual art, dance and theatre? NO!!”

The concert, which was celebrating 30 years of Classical Spectacular, was held the day after an estimated one million demonstrators marched in central London in calls for a People’s Vote on Brexit.

The Royal Albert Hall has been approached by the Standard for a comment.