Jim was justifiably upset about the Dortmund Opera House's skimpy (and unmusical) approach to the harp, demanding he ccombine two harp parts on one instrument - a physical impossibility. We thought of Jim when surveying the orchestra at the Mariinsky - 2 harps, 6 double basses etc - regulation issue. A huge orchestra and chorus (the last time we saw so many people on stage was at the Met) plus dancers galore mean the Russians do it properly - with so many productions on (7 days a week), it must be chaos backstage. It was a bit of a relief to have the audience respond to an over-long interval at Cinderella with slow clapping. The production of Life for the Tsar was wonderful - the 4.5 hours went in a flash - a very Russian piece which is never seen outside of this country - we were privileged to see it.
We head off on the hydrofoil this morning to Petershof - we walked TOO MUCH yesterday, so will take it at a leisurely pace today.
On a family note: congratulations to Zoe for being singled out for her specialist training next year - what a whiz of a daughter-in-law!
Would Jeremy please phone Maree at The ABS to check she has the blog address - we're not sending postcards, and would like the Russians on the staff to read our blog instead. Thanks!
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