If you hear about Puccini and you think it’s a brand of pasta, you probably don’t know much about classical music. Would you like to listen to Mozart’s works that obsessed the society of the time, put melody to the names of mythical classical pieces, or simply be one of those who throw “That sounds like Wagner” in a talk? For all those who want to get started in the beautiful (and addictive) world of classical music without leaving Buenos Aires, here is a list with six recommendations of places to go and discover great works of the genre.
1. “Habanera” by Bizet at the Colón Theater
It is impossible to listen to this piece and not have it stick with you for the rest of the day. One of the best known pieces of Bizet’s timeless opera, Carmen, will be one of the pieces performed by Russian mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina in the Aura Cycle. An initiative of the Teatro Colón where 4 great voices of international opera perform on selected dates some of the most iconic works of great composers such as Rossini, Saint-Saëns or Gardel.
📅 September 14 (Aigul Akhmetshina), October 20 (Elīna Garanča), December 3 (Nadine Sierra).
📍Cerrito 628
🎟️ Tickets here
2. Mendelssohn’s “Italian Symphony” at the Teatro Colón
Probably your next song to lift your spirits. Along with other pieces, this mythical work by the German composer can be heard at the Teatro Colón this October 6. But this season includes more titles, more musicians and more composers like Schubert, Ravel or Bartók on selected dates until the end of the year. The best part (if it could get any better)? Admission is free.
📅 Sept. 15, Oct. 6, Oct. 27, Nov. 24
📍Cerrito 628
3. Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” at the Asturian Center of Buenos Aires
Yes, we know, it’s obvious, but Mozart had to be on the list and to do it with The Marriage of Figaro is to do it in style. Ideal for those who think that classical music is boring and need a plus. And in this case that plus is the thousands of candles that will fill the Centro Asturiano in Buenos Aires on November 1, because it is one of the Candlelight concerts. Is Mozart too typical for you? There are also more tributes and more dates available for other composers like Vivaldi or Beethoven.
📍Solis 475
4. Bach’s “Toccata in C Major BWV 564” at the Basilica Nuestra Señora de La Merced.
Classical music goes beyond operas and quartets, and this option is perfect for those who want to discover a little beyond this genre, with the unmistakable sound of the organ playing this work by the eternal Bach (and others by other composers) on September 2. A concert that is part of the cycle Organ at Noon – Concerts in La Merced with which to discover timeless works and which can be accessed free of charge because yes, tickets are free.
📅 The first Tuesdays of each month, from April to December
📍Reconquista 207
5. “Salome” by Strauss at the Beethoven Foundation
Another opera because when you start, you can’t stop. But this time seeing a work in New York without leaving Buenos Aires. The Beethoven Foundation organizes this broadcast of the famous opera by the Italian composer on September 6, as part of its cycle of broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera in New York. One of the many options proposed by the Foundation to watch subtitled broadcasts of iconic operas from around the world.
📅 September 6
📍1452 Sta. Fe Ave.
6. Debussy’s “Moonlight” at the National Auditorium
Another option with free admission and limited capacity because enjoying classical music should not mean running out of money. This time with one of the best known (and listened to) pieces of classical music by the German composer. Moonlight is going to be on the program, along with works by Rachmaninov or Johan Strauss II from the hands of the Sinfónica Juvenil Nacional Libertador San Martín.
📅 September 7
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