Post by Ella
After 20 years of construction, the Teatro Colon opened with the opera Aida by Giuseppe Verdi on May 25, 1908. Since then, every opera season begins with an opera by Verdi.
Italian Carrara marble, Venitian stucco, stained glass ceilings, 24-carat gold leaf, huge chandeliers (now filled with LED bulbs). Stunning.
We took the one hour guided tour and were lucky to see a block rehearsal in progress. We experienced the amazing acoustics. From the horseshoe shape to the combination of materials used, the auditorium is the perfect echo chamber.
I had wanted to see a performance but none were scheduled during our stay in Buenos Aires. Tickets go on sale in late February to early March and sell out quickly. There are only about 3500 seats. According to our guide, the most expensive ticket is about US$85.00. I didn’t fact check that. Compare that to the Santa Fe Opera.
Our tour guide, Vanessa, was full of facts and figures and stories. One of the original Italian architects was killed when he came home to find his wife in a compromising position with the butler. A fight turned fatal when the butler pulled out a gun and shot the architect.
Vanessa was also a strict guide and got upset when some teen boys were talking amongst themselves while she was trying to impart history to the rest of us. Boy did she lay into them.
The only -A-list house in South America, on the circuit for all the biggest stars throughout the 20th century, a sister house of La Scala. One night we were there and the manager gave a curtain speech announcing the death of Astor Piazzola, not only famous for tangos but classical pieces—shock and dismay!
So glad you got to see it. My favorite place in BA.
It was rumored that Pavoratti’s only complaint was the flawless acoustics.