The Mariinskiy Theatre

I was lucky, thanks to my first guide, to obtain a ticket for Pagliacci. (Pagliacci means clowns in Italian). The music and libretto were composed by Ruggero Leoncavallo.
Of course the main reason for going was to experience an opera in the historic Mariinskiy Theatre.
There was a large orchestra (seven double basses) and the soloists good but not exceptional.

Of course you cannot take pictures during the performance. It was impressive how young the audience was with the theatre filled with what appeared to be St Petersburg residents. Quite a contrast to the grey haired crowd who attend Pacific Opera Victoria!