Theatre and Jazz in Saint Petersburg

This evening began with the theatre.  A breathtaking production at the Alexandrinsky Theatre of NEVSKY PROSPECT, a new work adapting many of Gogol’s stories for the stage created by five emerging directors.  I’ve seen theatre in the round before, but never in a venue this opulent or spacious.  It was a mentally stimulating…physically exhausting (for the actors)…and innovative production.  So many great ideas!

After that Makbal (my fearless translator and guide to all things jazz) and I went to the Kvadrat Jam Session at the Jazz Philharmonic.  As we entered, I was struck by the two women leading the band on saxophone and guitar.  Everyone was in good spirits and the jam lasted a couple of hours with as many as 5 saxophones, 2 trombones, a melodica, bass, drums, piano, etc.

At 10:30 p.m., with the sun about to set, we headed off to the Hat Bar, another jazz venue.  And who should pop in, but the saxophone player from the Kvadrat session!  I wish I’d gotten video of this one, because she could blow!  A killer band of consumate professionals, I hope to return there regularly.

I journeyed to Russia not knowing whether I would write about a man or woman…after tonight I’d say that decision has been made.