Bonds Adventures: An evening at La Scala

Certainly one of the most memorable events of our grand adventure is our evening at La Scala to see the classic opera Les Troyans by Hector Berlioz. A five act opera that involves dramatice scenery changes and a large cast, Les Troyans is recognized as a major operatic event. Details on the plot and such can be found on line. Here is one source if you are interested.

http://classicalmusic.about.com/od/opera-synopses-l-thru-z/qt/Les-Troyens-Synopsis.htm

The theater was built before sound systems and amplified sounds a result the engineers of the time designed the seating around non amplified human voices. La Scala seats about 2000 people and according to historical writing, there was not a bad seat in the building. WW2 bombing destroyed a lot of the original structure and after the war when reconstruction was started the original plans were used. Even with such care the extensive damage destroyed the original acoustics forcing modern technology to replace what early engineers and musicians had done. The box seating around the perimeter and the loge seating all have excellent acoustics. Still excellent quality sound, not a bad seat anywhere, but assisted.

Mythology has it that there are still a few spots on stage that allow a singer to be heard as in the original theater. One special spot is referred to as the "Marie Callas spot".

The one issue I have with the boxes is that only two chairs will fit at the front of a box that accommodates five people. Those in the rear can stand up and see rather well but they do need to stand up which can be bother not only to them but to the front seats as well. The three of us shared our box with a Russian who really did not have a good view. A very nice man who worked for the Russian Television system. I did not pursue what he did but that he made several trips to foreign countries each year made me think his position was substantial.

The environment of this theater allows easy migration of the mind to a time before when royalty and elite were the audience. Espresso and Prosecco in a lobby filled with gilded statues and plush carpeting while surrounded by a panoply of foreign tongues permits a brief feeling of entitlement for such luxury.

The cool night air and the chaotic assemblage of humans on the plaza are quick to restore the mind.

We cannot thank our daughters enough for this experience. Apparently they planned this well in advance of our trip and offered it as a surprise gift for combined Mother's/Father's Day. Amazing children providing incredible evening.