Sunday in the City of Buenos Aires - Concert in Teatro Colon

Sunday in the City of Buenos Aires: the Teatro Colon, famous for its architecture, superb acoustics and history of grand performances by world class artists, puts on Sunday matinees - gratis. Provided one lines up 48 hours before the performance, one can pick up tickets - first come first served, until seats are filled. I took the bus on a Friday morning, braving tormentas, rain, steamy rides on commuter buses, and - mercifully - a short line up at the ticket office, and walked away with tickets for a 'palco bajo', meaning a low level balcony - exclusive indeed, and all without a peso of expense (except for the fare for a soggy bus ride of course). The theatre is luxurious, all neo classic/belle epoque.

I did not really care, WHAT was on the program, but a small chamber orchestra, Violoncellos of Argentina, provided a varied program ranging from Rossini to Vivaldi, and Bizet to Leroy Anderson. To top it off, two pieces by the great tango composer, Astor Piazolla, made up the program. Eight cellist made up the orchestra.



We, another lady from Vancouver Island and I, occupied a perfect balcony seat, unobstructed view, which we shared with four other Argentine l adies...a rather exclusive arrangement, which under normal circumstances would have set us back quite a few pesos. However, these matinees are gratis.



Argentineans start early with their classical music appreciation. Here a mother and father, with four young children - that alone takes courage. The children, albeit squirmy and crawling all under the seats and exploring the aisles between rows, watched over their offspring, who were surprisingly quiet and unobtrusive, as not to disturb other concert attendants.

Stained glass sky lights with intricate motifs stream daylight onto the concourses of the theatre.

The main entry hall is topped by a colourful cupola of stained glass

The entry hall if lofty with high balconies and arched windows

After the concert, under the wrought iron canopy of the great portal, a view of Tribunales, the court house opposite the Teatro Colon.

Spring, and a clear blue sky. What a difference from 48 hours ago, when the place was dreary, grey and absolutely inundated with pouring rain.

Spacious plazas surround the beautiful theatre

At the back stage door, the cellists are chatting with concert goers and relatives

All quite relaxed and without 'star - spangled - pomp' the cellists chat with fans

What an opportunity to stroll through the quiet avenues of Buenos Aires on a sunny and warm Sunday

Jacaranda trees are blooming along all the avenues...

Slate covered cupolas top many of the city's buildings

Intricately crafted street lights line the streets

Albeit being Sunday, construction work along major streets carries on. Here a group of workers have constructed a temporary Argentinean BBQ out of bricks and other construction materials. Charcoal is glowing underneath a make shift grill, and sausages, steaks, kidneys, chorizos and blood sausages and other meaty goodies are sizzling and broiling amongst rubble and planks...

And the road crew is enjoying their mid day lunch displayed on a selection of 2x8 planks, even offering a taste to me.

A great Sunday in the City, and here a little taste of what Piazolla, the renown tango composer, sounds like, when played by one of the greatest bandeon players of the country, Walter Rios, interprets him. Libertango...