“Joined by Maestro Kohn, Ms. Gheorghiu was a vision of couture fit for the cover of Vogue. Wearing a long flowing salmon gown with a long train gathered by a dazzling rosette in the waist, Gheorghiu entered the hall to an adoring public transfixed by her glamorous presence. Let’s face it, when people fall in love with a true diva, the music sometimes becomes secondary.” This is La Cieca’s kind of arts journalism!

La Cieca

James Jorden (who wrote under the names "La Cieca" and "Our Own JJ") was the founder and editor of parterre box. During his 20 year career as an opera critic he wrote for the New York Times, Opera, Gay City News, Opera Now, Musical America and the New York Post. He also raised his voice in punditry on National Public Radio. From time to time he directed opera, including three unsuccessful productions of Don Giovanni. He also contributed a regular column on opera for the New York Observer. James died in October 2023.

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