Teatro Colon

Last week I went to see my first Opera show at Teatro Colon. Originally I had just planned to take a guided tour to see the beautiful theater that was only recently reopened after years of renovation. But after realizing that it cost 110 pesos to take a 50 min tour (~$30 USD) and 55 pesos (~$10 USD) to see an Opera show I opted to go to a performance (granted they were standing room only tickets in the back of the theater, but it was worth it). I will also note that Argentine citizens only have to pay 30 pesos to take the tour. Taking advantage of tourists, not fair! Hahah. Anyway, the Opera I went to see was "La pasión según San Marcos," a passion play composed by Argentine composer Osvaldo Golijov in 2000. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but the Opera's mixture of Salsa, Cumbia, African drums and percussion and classical European Opera singing was a surprise. The odd mixture of sounds and styles made the performance very enjoyable, despite being cramped in an odd position on the floor of the standing room section (because I'm so tall if I stood up the balcony above cut off all vision of the stage, hahah). The interior of the theater is spectacular, with beautiful detailing along the balconies and viewing boxes. I'm so glad I had a chance to go!