steel yourselves
Our Own JJ takes to the airwaves this afternoon to yak about the new regime at NYCO. He’ll be on “Soundcheck” on WNYC between 2:00 and 3:00 PM. La Cieca is told that George Steel himself will also be on the program, so she will caution JJ to be sparing in his use of the word “dick.”
In fact, the word “dick” may soon be used not at all, if the reaction of at least one NYCO staffer to Steel’s introductory meeting this morning holds true. La Cieca hears that the new GD’s brief remarks were “auspicious and well-received” and the staffer even sounded cautiously optimistic: “If he’s true to his words, I think sunnier days are ahead for NYCO.”
I know La Cieca to be Queen of all opera media in New York. Granted, La Cieca runs a blog, she is thee most informed, well connected opera individual in the greatest city in the world. Period. End of story.
Though a blog allows for a certain amount of latitude and discretion to the discourse and vernacular, La Cieca’s position demands she act correctly with each entry. I am certain that La Cieca is aware of the severe responsibilty she owns given her position (she heads the biggest loggione around; everyone listens to her opinion), and acts in the best interests of her great city.
Mr. Steel, without question, should be given every advantage if the NYCO is to continue as a living entity.
Mr. Steel, without question, should be given every advantage if the NYCO is to continue as a living entity.
Being born white, male and straight isn’t enough?
Don’t hold any of that against him; it’s not like he had anything to say about those characteristics.
White, Male, Straight.
Are those even advantages in this day and age anymore?
Two out of three ain’t bad.
I thought Mr. Valenti really underpowered and making strange faces on high notes. Tall drink of water, let’s hope he gets it together, or it will be another pretty face hoisted on us without real opera cred.
As for JJ. Nothing short of perfection today…..more please.
Swath!!!!!!
I’m sending Steele Ernest Newman’s Guides to the World’s Greatest Operas.
Well folks tonight he told an audience of donors that the #1 reason he took the job was it was in NYC. And he used those words. #2 had something to do with the repertory being unbeatable. His grand vision is Baroque music, 20th C music, new operas and gutsy reinterpretations of the classics.
Since last season consisted of Baroque music (King Arthur), 20th C music (Vanessa) new operas (Margaret Garner) and gutsy reinterpretations of classics (Cav/Pag, Cendrillon, Tosca, Butterfly) I think my assertion that he hasn’t been to NYCO at all last season was correct.
I noticed he was in the box next to Robin Thompson, who put the last season together, and did not speak to him, making me think they are not acquainted. Since no one could tell me what, or if, he had seen any operas at NYCO last season I couldn’t ask him what he thought of recent NYCO productions. I thought asking him outright what he had seen would be too rude, especially since I am pretty sure the answer would be nothing. Too bad his defenders were so quiet this afternoon, we could have put this ugly ugly rumor that he is ignorant of the opera cannon to rest. Oppurtunity missed.
However, I did wish him luck. We as a city need NYCO. I just don’t think NYCO needs George as bad as George needs NYCO. Again tonight, much buzz about Dallas being happily rid of him.
Anyone interested in going to “A and C” tomorow should go. Lauren was in full blown Diva mode and got a standing ovation, as she should!
Robin Thompsn has been putting the NYCO seasons together since 1996 !
If that’s really the case it’s better that he and Steel remain unaquainted. A fresh start is imperative.