TGIF

Today right after classes we left to go on a tour of the Moscow Art Theater, the same place where we saw the interpretive dance performance of Karmen. Chekov's plays were first produced there and it was interesting to see original costumes of those, and many other famous plays.

Next, we talked with a journalist who specializes as a theater critic. Most interestingly, she compared the two famous theaters in Moscow and St. Petersburg: the Bolshoi Theater and the Mariinsky Theater. Her perception is that while the Mariinsky Theater stays very true to original works of both music and dance, this risks of a lower standard of performance where parts are very difficult, while the Bolshoi risks nothing for a perfect performance. This is, of course, comparing two of the world's best theaters, we have to keep in mind, so I'm not sure I would spot a misstep at the Mariinsky Theater! But a few of us shall try to get tickets to the Bolshoi again on Monday, to see for ourselves.

Our final excursion of the day was to a concert by the Moscow State Academic Philharmonic. The entire night was superb and they performed two pieces by Elgar and two by Strauss. The important work of the night, though, was a the Elgar Cello Concerto, performed by the husband of a current Wellesley senior. I can't stop talking about how stunning this was, some of the best cello playing I have every heard (and this means something as I have attended quite a few music festivals from my years of music study). The symphony experience was slightly different than in the US, as the main lights were left on, for example, the concert itself lasted three hours, and included an orchestral encore.

We ended the night with cocktails and bruschetta at Corriso on Tverskaya, which we enjoyed to the sounds of live music (including a cover of Mama Mia by Abba).

Well it's late here and it is the end of a long week. We have no plans for the next two days, so we shall see what other adventures come our way.

Happy Weekend!

-- Aisling (Ася)