ou sont les negs d’antan?

The bitchiness of queens of long ago still echoes through Founders Hall at the Met. Among the expertly restored artist photographs, programs and media clippings featured in the exhibit “Nights at the Opera: 125 Years,” the clear standout for outrageousness is an original poster for the Old Met’s closing night gala, defaced (or, perhaps we should say, “adorned”) with graffiti commenting on the galaxy of stars who sang that night back in 1966. According to the vitriolic vandals, Franco Corelli was described as “stinky,” Justino Diaz was the “spawn of Satan,” and even in her debut year a certain beloved Spanish Catalan diva was already nicknamed “Monsterfat Cowbelly.” More epithets less suitable for reproduction on a nice family website like parterre.com may be read directly from the poster, which is displayed near the coat check area downstairs in Founders Hall.

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.

Comments

Sign up for Parterre’s free newsletter.

Exclusive opera reviews, commentary, and top reads
delivered to your email weekly…ish.

By submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to Parterre Box’s email newsletters and occasional special offers from us and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy.