anna_bijouxLa Cieca is of the opinion that there are some sopranos who can act Manon, some who can sing Manon, and some who simply are Manon. This snippet from a recent interview may suggest which category Anna Netrebko fits into. 

[Interviewer] TS: Can you just explain what this World Economic Forum thing is?

AN: What?

TS: You’re an ambassador –

AN: I don’t know. They told me something, so I said, ‘Thank you, it’s great.’ I think it’s a great honour.

TS: But you don’t know what it is?

AN: I don’t even know what I have to do.

TS: I think there’s a conference in Dar es Salaam you have to go to.

AN: Me? Oh – I had no idea. Wow. I don’t know.

[pause]

TS: Is that a Chopard watch?

AN: Yes. These are diamonds that are sparkling. Chopard is beautiful, they make in such a beautiful style, but the jewellery I’m going to wear in Manon is not Chopard.

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.

Comments