La Cieca did a bit of nosing around about the abrupt departure of Jeffrey Vanderveen from IMG, and this is how the story is shaping up.

netrebko_arena.jpgVanderveen’s upcoming gig is the creation of a new division at Universal Music Group devoted to the production and promotion of Tibor Rudas style arena concerts for Universal Classics’ recording artists.

Apparently the theory is that in order to sell classical vocal CDs in significant numbers, the singers will be sent out on tours “in support of” their current releases, following the model of popular music performers.

The concerts Vanderveen is to put together will feature young Universal stars such as Anna Netrebko, ElÄ«na Garanča, Rolando Villazón, Juan Diego Flórez and Jonas Kaufmann performing in (obviously) large venues with “crossover” style miking in the manner of such successful acts acts as Katherine Jenkins and Russell Watson.

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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