veronesiAlberto Veronesi has been appointed Music Director of Opera Orchestra of New York, effective in the 2011-12 season. He will succeed OONY founder Eve Queler, who will become Conductor Laureate once Veronesi’s initial five-year tenure begins.

During the Opera Orchestra’s 2010-11 40th-anniversary season he will serve as Music Director Designate and conduct an opera-in-concert performance, as well as helping to plan future seasons.

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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