By
La Cieca
The very first issue of parterre box (the queer opera zine) was published on December 3, 1993, the 70th anniversary of the of birth Maria Callas. And so that must mean that parterre box is exactly 15 years old today!
To kick off what La Cieca devoutly hopes will be festivities, here is an interview with our publisher (and the creator of parterre box), conducted by Bill Richardson of the CBC’s Saturday Afternoon at the Opera.
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.
Topics: 192, jj, la cieca s'invecchia, la divina, mp3, parterre box the queer opera zine
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