hampson_cherubinoA member of the cher public who attended yesterday’s Met Guild luncheon honoring Frederica von Stade reports: “Evelyn Lear went so far as to call [Flicka] ‘Mother Teresa — a saint.’  As part of his homage, Thomas Hampson sang one of the Cherubino arias — it was really sweet.  

“He introduced the piece by saying that when Flicka began her career, he was still ‘playing with Lincoln Logs.’ (She jeered!)  Then he got out his lyric sheet for the aria and fiddled with his reading glasses. ‘So much for the Lincoln Logs,’ she sang.”

“I have never heard so many people ardently praise someone’s goodness. Trust me — they sure didn’t at the luncheon for Zeffirelli two years ago!”

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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