Un petit oiseau (dans la charmille) has just whispered to La Cieca that mythic diva Madame Vera Galupe-Borszkh will emerge briefly from semi-retirement on Halloween night as a surprise guest during the Sirius broadcast of La traviata from the Met.  To avoid any confusion, La Cieca should note that “La Dementia” will not be singing the role of Violetta that evening (Anja Harteros will perform as usual), but the Ukrainian Nightingale will grace the broadcast booth for an interview with Margaret Juntwait.  The yakking will begin at approximately 10:00 pm EDT during the second intermission of the Verdi tearjerker.

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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