One two three.... at the ballet.

The opera and ballet season has started again in Baku. Unlike most other theatres I've been to, there are no restrictions on taking photos. I only had my pocket camera on me and didn't use flash, but lots of others used flash and one person had even set a small camcorder up on a tripod in the aisle to film the performance! I tried to catch the conductor as he held the orchestra's attention before instructing them to start. I wasn't quite quick enough as you can see from the slight blur...
The theatre wasn't busy, so the upper levels were closed and we were directed to the front row of the stalls, giving me a great view of the conductor. The theatre is due to close at the end of this season for refurbishment. Built in 1910 to persuade a foreign opera star to sing in Baku, it's a fantastically ornate building with grimacing faces inside and out and lots of cream and gold paint. I hope it retains its character post refurbishment.