Opera Meets Outdoors On Independence Mall
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - If you missed opening night of opera season in Philadelphia, a replay was shown Sunday night in Old City.
But it wasn't your typical setting during the 6th annual Opera on the Mall.
"It's kind of a pleasant fall evening," says Diana Krasnopolsky, who was there with her family. "Everyone has picnics, wine, cheese. We just had some sandwiches and now we're drinking some hot tea."
The crowd of thousands spread out throughout Independence Mall on blankets to watch this year's feature presentation.
"So what we do is we record the opening night of opera season," explains Opera Philadelphia President David Devan. "This year it's (Puccini's) Turandot -- an amazing production and we broadcast it for free for the community."
On a gloomy night in Philadelphia, thousands show up for Opera #OnTheMall @KYWNewsradio @OperaPhila pic.twitter.com/LLHEQo8c9x
— Andrew Kramer (@Philly_Kramer) October 3, 2016
He says this is the perfect event for a cultured city like Philadelphia:
"It's a great civic event. It's just a real active community here. Bottle of wine and your friends enjoying world class music."
Casie Fariello is in Philadelphia for the weekend, and didn't want to miss this unusual experience while in town.
"This is fantastic," she says. "Everybody is not so crowded together and we're able to enjoy. The picture is amazingly clear and the music is amazing so far and just being with friends."
Turandot was shown on two, massive HD screens.