At a time of year when most opera company employees are hectically rushing about producing opera, the administrative staff of the New York City Opera enjoyed a two-day “furlough” last week.  Meanwhile, the company’s finance officials frantically passed the hat among “board members, private donors and other sources” to meet this week’s payroll. [via NYT]

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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