La Cieca’s cher public — and music lovers around the world — won’t have Bernard Holland to kick around any more.  The veteran classical music reviewer is leaving the New York TImes after 27 years, though to us who read him regularly it has easily seemed twice that.  Holland is one of about 85 NYT newsroom employees who have accepted a buyout offer intended to streamline the paper’s staff.

Remaining full-time classical music reviewers are Anthony Tommasini and Allan Kozinn; the paper also publishes reviews by James R. Oestreich (editor of classical music and dance) and freelancers Steve Smith and Vivien Schweitzer. [via musicalamerica.com]

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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