The western entrance to the theatre
The Colón theatre is the Opera house of Buenos Aires whose acoustics are considered to be some of the best in the world – Pavarotti, who had a love affair with not just the Opera house but with all of Buenos Aires, remarked they were too good! The theatre was small and unassuming until the turn of last century when Argentina boomed to become one of the world’s ten wealthiest countries. At the time a tenth of the national budget was spent on the arts and Colón is perhaps the greatest monument to this time. In its heyday it rivalled even Milan’s La Scala with all the greatest dancers, singers and composers of the day gracing its stage.
Setting up for a recital
The theatre has recently been refurbished and – though it was embroiled in the standard crime, corruption and mystery that all Opera refurbishment seem to go through – it has come out the other side looking fantastic. Sadly, the black tie dress code has gone (probably considered too much of a throwback to the theatre’s elitist past) taking with it part of the glamour. Nevertheless, once the lights go down on the motley dressed audience and the music begins, you are immediately whisked away to a time gone by.
The Cupola painted in the 60’s by Raúl Soldi, one of Argentina’s best known artists.
