Sunday, October 3, 2010

Off to the Opera!

Well, what an opportunity we had the second evening that we were in Prague for the Fulbright Orientation. Off we all went, all gussied up, to the National Theater to see Mozart's Don Giovanni!

Of course, it was at night time, so this picture (above) is from earlier in the afternoon when we passed the Theater on our Arts Tour.
Here's your ticket (courtesy o Fulbright--Thanks!)....do come along (get your top hat or long gown on, pl

We had prime seats in the center balcony of the theater to get a grand view of the orchestra and stage. Mark took a few picture before the opera started as, of course, photography wasn't allowed during the show!



Well, Neil got a bit cut out of the picture...
 Mark, however, shines gallantly but a bit serious!
What you must know, of course, is that this is THE THEATER where Mozart first conducted Don Giovanni on Oct. 29, 1787!  And here we are in the same theater some ~223 years later. You can almost see Mozart down there merrily conducting with his endless enthusiasm!  Pinch me....it's so!


Don Giovanni was originally entitled: "I1 Dissoluto Punito, ossia il Don Giovanni" (The Reprobate Punished, or Don Giovanni). Mozart wrote this to be first performed in Prague, as he liked the way Bondini's troupe performed "The Marriage of Figaro" nearly one year prior to this.

Disclaimer: This blog is not an official University of Minnesota or Fulbright Program blog. The views expressed are my own and not those of the Fulbright Program, the U.S. Department of State or any of its partner organizations, or the University of Minnesota.

5 comments:

  1. Oh how I wish I had been a little birdy on your shoulders. A once-in-a-lifetime experience. Amazing. And you both are so dapper and handsome in your theatre attire.

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  2. Wow!! I am so happy for you guys! Now that is an opera!

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  3. Wow, what an incredible experience! Did you see Mozart when you peered through your opera glasses?

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  4. Yes, you could see Mozart furiously conducting away for his new opera!
    N/M

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