PICK OF THE WEEK: Andorra (Pyrenees)
Main places:
Andorra la Vella, Escaldes-Engordany, San Julia de Loria, La Massana, Ordino, Encamp, Canillo, Pas de la Casa
PICK OF THE WEEK: 5th – 11th March 2018
OPERA
Carmen Tuesday, 6th March at 19.45h at the Cinemes Illa Carlemany, Escaldes-Engordany. Opera Direct from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. (Running time 3h 30m with one interval.) Bizet’s much-loved opera, Carmen, directed by Barrie Kosky, conducted by Jakub Hrusa. Starring Anna Goryachova as Carmen, Francesco Meli as Don José, Kostas Smoriginas as Escamillo and Kristina Mkhitaryan as Micaëla. The Story: Carmen declares that any man she loves should beware. However, even she is unprepared for what will happen when she decides to seduce Don José, an army corporal who initially appears uninterested in her charms. Don José soon abandons his sweetheart Micaëla and his army job for Carmen, and joins her and her smuggler friends in the mountains. But Carmen quickly wearies of Don José’s possessiveness. When she turns her attentions to the dashing toreador Escamillo, Don José’s jealousy erupts into violence.
Background: Award-winning director, Barrie Kosky, provides a refreshing perspective on this well-known opera. He explores Carmen’s ever-changing nature – marked by her series of contrasting costumes – and her vitality through dance. The pre-recorded voice of a narrator (perhaps Carmen herself) ensures that we experience the whole story from her perspective, and the production’s unique performing edition (by Michael Rot) offers a chance for audience members to hear music Bizet omitted from the opera’s first performances.
DANCE
Aparences (Appearances) Saturday, 10th March at 19h in the National Auditorium, Ordino. (5€ A charity performance, all the money will go to the Andorran Association Against Cancer – ASSANDCA). A return of the spectacular Aparences (Appearances) by the Esbart Valls del Nord dance group.12 dances that revolve around smugglers and herbalists with the addition of three new dances. The show is sponsored by the Communes of Ordino and La Massana.
CINEMA
Red Sparrow Monday 5th, Wednesday 7th and Thursday, 8th March at 19h and Tuesday, 6th March at 17.30h at the Cinemes Illa Carlemany, Escaldes-Engordany. Red Sparrow. Directed by Francis Lawrence Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Matthias Schoenaerts. The Story: Ballerina Dominika Egorova is recruited to the ‘Sparrow School’, a Russian intelligence service where she is forced to use her body as a weapon to seduce a first-tour CIA agent who handles the CIA’s most sensitive penetration of Russian intelligence. The two young officers collide in a charged atmosphere of trade-craft, deception, and, inevitably, forbidden passion that threatens not just their lives but the lives of others as well.
GASTRONOMY
Calçotades menus (a tasty Catalan speciality using a type of leak). Until the 15th April, a number of La Massana restaurants will be offering calçotades menus. Call 835 693 or ask at the LA MASSANA Tourist Office.
LA MASSANA SNOW SPORTS DURING MARCH
Throughout March. Prior booking essential on 835 693 or try the LM Tourist Office.
Every Saturday from 9.30h – 14h (15€ adults, 7.50€ ages 6 – 12. Basic level.) Guided Snowshoe Excursions through the woods of Pal or Beixalís.
Every Sunday and Tuesday from 9h – 14h (29€ adults only. Medium to high proficiency.) Mountain ski outings.
Every Wednesday and Saturday from 9h – 14h (29€ adults only. Medium to high proficiency.) Freeride Skiing.
VALLNORD PAL/ARINSAL DURING MARCH
Every Wednesday in March Arinsal by night. Decent with torches, toboggans or ‘donuts’.
Every Friday and Saturday Excursions with a retrac cabina (a large caterpillar-tracked snow vehicle with a passenger cabin to carry you in comfort up the mountain) and then The “Best Fondue Supper” at the Restaurant Xalet Igloo.
VALLNORD PAL/COLL DE LA BOTELLA RESTAURANT.
RING 346 702 to reserve
Wednesday 7th March Yoga and Mountains. Yoga class and supper at 2,200 m.
Friday 9th March Zumba Class & Supper at 2,200 m
Culturally yours,
Clare
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Look for about the author of the blog Clare Allcard
See also Andorra travel guide
See also Pyrenees travel guide
See also France travel guide
See also Spain travel guide
