I just got back from a $3 night at the National Opera House--this gorgeous "belle epoque" building dates from 1901. Somehow Stalin and Hitler didn't get around to bombing it. The last tsar of Russia, Nicholas (of Nicholas and Alexandra) had a prime minister who was assassinated here. (Yesterday I went to a restaurant where an alleged Ukrainian mafia hit took place.)
The opera house is ridiculously cheap for anyone who's not earning a local salary. I went at least once a week the first month I was here, before reality set in: I'm working hard, exhausted at the end of the day, it's usually not fun to go out at night during the week!
But this is the last week before the holiday break. Tonight was ballet, "Giselle." Friday it's opera, "Madame Butterfly." Tonight I went with the wife of the director (principal) of the school, her friend from France, and her daughter from Damascus. On Friday I'll go with American, British, and Colombian friends. A good mix.
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2 comments:
Giselle and Madama Butterfly. Both so sad. Lucky you - to get to see two such wonderful productions.
The Met is broadcasting six operas live at movie theatres this season. The December 30th performance of The Magic Flute was sold out at the Hoffman Theatre in Alexandria the day the tickets went on sale. I have a ticket for I Puritani in January. Only $18 - can you believe it.
Thinking of you on Jane Austen's birthday! Missed you at the annual birthday lunch last Saturday but am thrilled to read about all the exciting places you are going. I am jealous. Merry Christmas!
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