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A Night at the Opera, Argentine Style
Published by Jason Hussong, Writer
Country: Argentina 
The Experience
Upset over the rule of Spain from afar, on May 25, 1810 the citizens of Buenos Aires, Argentina deposed the Viceroy Baltasar Hidalgo de Cisneros in the Revolucion de Mayo and took control of the government for themselves. On Libertad Street, 98 years later to the day, a symbol of the people’s independence opened with what is said to be a very memorable performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida. And now, 102 years from when it first opened, and 200 years since the May Revolution, the Teatro Colon - the famous Argentine opera house - is set to reopen after nearly four years of renovation.
The classical style of opera, translated as “work” or “labor” in Italian, is enjoyed throughout the world and in many different languages. It’s traditionally considered a European pleasure due to its derivation, but in Buenos Aires Teatro Colon has transcended such boundaries and limitations; a horseshoe-shaped theater, which seats approximately 2,500 people with standing room for another 1,000. It is regarded as one of the best acoustic buildings in existence.
Prior to the opening of the theater, performances were given in several halls throughout the city, including in the first Teatro Colon and Teatro Opera. In 1889 the cornerstone was laid with plans to change all that, but problems quickly arose as the deaths of several people involved, including architect Francesco Tamburini and his friend Vittorio Meano, caused construction to be delayed. Nearly 20 years later though, and under the direction of Belgian architect Julio Dormal, the Teatro Colon opened in the heart of the city.
Since then, great composers and performers like Igor Stravinsky, Richard Strauss, and Luciano Pavarotti have played to packed houses. Other great artists and musicians of national fame have also entertained in the auditorium. Ballet’s Boris Baryshnikov even once danced on the 20 meter square stage. But, the final performance before renovation in the popular theater came in November, 2006. Singer Mercedes Sosa closed the doors of the Teatro Colon for a refurbishment project that has taken twice as long as initially planned.
Recent economic issues had caused the beautiful French-influenced décor and frescoes, which were done by artist Raul Soldi and added well after the opening, to be neglected. But the current remodeling is intended to fix all that and bring the Argentine Teatro Colon back to the glory it knew 100 years after the revolution. Soon it will once again be a proud reminder to the Argentine people, as well as all of its visitors, of their independence and what they did to earn it from Spain.
The classical style of opera, translated as “work” or “labor” in Italian, is enjoyed throughout the world and in many different languages. It’s traditionally considered a European pleasure due to its derivation, but in Buenos Aires Teatro Colon has transcended such boundaries and limitations; a horseshoe-shaped theater, which seats approximately 2,500 people with standing room for another 1,000. It is regarded as one of the best acoustic buildings in existence.
Prior to the opening of the theater, performances were given in several halls throughout the city, including in the first Teatro Colon and Teatro Opera. In 1889 the cornerstone was laid with plans to change all that, but problems quickly arose as the deaths of several people involved, including architect Francesco Tamburini and his friend Vittorio Meano, caused construction to be delayed. Nearly 20 years later though, and under the direction of Belgian architect Julio Dormal, the Teatro Colon opened in the heart of the city.
Since then, great composers and performers like Igor Stravinsky, Richard Strauss, and Luciano Pavarotti have played to packed houses. Other great artists and musicians of national fame have also entertained in the auditorium. Ballet’s Boris Baryshnikov even once danced on the 20 meter square stage. But, the final performance before renovation in the popular theater came in November, 2006. Singer Mercedes Sosa closed the doors of the Teatro Colon for a refurbishment project that has taken twice as long as initially planned.
Recent economic issues had caused the beautiful French-influenced décor and frescoes, which were done by artist Raul Soldi and added well after the opening, to be neglected. But the current remodeling is intended to fix all that and bring the Argentine Teatro Colon back to the glory it knew 100 years after the revolution. Soon it will once again be a proud reminder to the Argentine people, as well as all of its visitors, of their independence and what they did to earn it from Spain.
When to Go to Teatro Colon
According to their website, the Teatro Colon reopens May 24, 2010. It would be great to experience the opening night, but it's sure to be a hard ticket to find. So, unless you're one of the lucky few, wait a bit to grab your tickets as they'll more than likely free up over time.
The weather in Buenos Aires is best during the spring and fall. Summer months can be quite hot and humid, while winter months are cool, foggy and wet. If you visit during the spring and fall, weather should be sunny and comfortable.
The weather in Buenos Aires is best during the spring and fall. Summer months can be quite hot and humid, while winter months are cool, foggy and wet. If you visit during the spring and fall, weather should be sunny and comfortable.
Odds n' Ends
As it's the opera, a certain level of decorum and dress is required. Make sure to dress appropriately and enjoy an excellent night out on the town. An Argentinian beef dinner, some of the best in the world, coupled with a Teatro Colon performance is a great combination.
Tickets to Teatro Colon opera vary in cost from a few pesos for standing room only to upwards of five hundred pesos for box seats.
Tickets to Teatro Colon opera vary in cost from a few pesos for standing room only to upwards of five hundred pesos for box seats.
Places to Stay Nearby
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Situated in front of the Obelisco, -the landmark of Buenos Aires-, and meters away from the Teatro Colon, -the most important opera house in South ... 0 miles away
$412 ARS+
The Reserva La Juana Ecolodge operates on the place of a former monastery, and offers affordable accommodation in Carabelas – Argentina. The property boasts five ... 0 miles away
$600 ARS+
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More Experiences Nearby
- Explore Caminito Street's Eccentric Outdoor Gallery
- The outdoor gallery of Caminito Street, Buenos Aires is an area reminiscent of the Italian city of Genoa, from which much of the population emigrated, with its brightly painted buildings. The La Boca barrio (neighbourhood) in which Caminito Street is nestled, emits a certain European air, as the people of Caminito have transformed it by brightening the housing projects and surrounding area with vivid colors, splashes of pastel, and other artworks all their own. The Caminito Street outdoor gallery is owned by the residents who created it and continue to develop the 100-meter-long street, named in homage to the popular ...3 miles away.
While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
The Fiesta Gaucha day trip takes you through the scenic pampas countryside outside Buenos Aires to the estancia, where you'll take a tour of the ...2.08 miles away via Buenos Aires.
$63+
The luxurious homes and attractive coastline of this lovely area are only 18 miles (30km) north of Buenos Aires. Following a stopover at the San ...2.08 miles away via Buenos Aires.
$35+
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Books and DVDs
Elsewhere on the Web
Media References
- Argentina: a guide for beginners - Telegraph.co.uk (newspaper)
- A Cultural Heart Beats Anew - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
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Language Guides
Italian 
,
Japanese
,
Spanish
are some of the languages spoken in Argentina. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!
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