faceoff
By
La Cieca
In the spirit of the equal time for all impresarios, La Cieca will note that both of New York’s operatic honchos will be making public appearances this week.
Tomorrow (February 10)the Met’s Peter Gelb will do his annual season announcment pitch to the media, an event La Cieca will liveblog (connectivity permitting) for your information and enjoyment, beginning at 10:00 AM.
Later this week (February 14 to be exact) top NYCO dog George Steel will appear in his guise as director of the Vox Vocal Ensemble for a special Valentine’s Day musicale entitled “Songs of Love, Lust, and Lamentation.” It should be noted that, according to the press release publicizing the Vox presentation, “This alternatingly moving and racy program spans five centuries of composition, including a rare performance of Crequillon’s Lamentations of Jeremiah.” And as if that’s not enough, the program notes are by Paul Griffiths!
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.
