By La Cieca 
A foundation created by the late soprano Birgit Nilsson will award a prize of one million dollars this year to an “outstanding achievement of a concert or opera singer, a classical or opera conductor, or a specific production by an opera company.” The first award winner was chosen by Ms. Nilsson herself and the foundation will continue to grant the award “every two or three years.” [via NYT]
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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