never_forget_sfoRemember that press release that taunted, “Great at push-ups and pull-ups? Do you put your friends to shame at the gym? Come show us what you’ve got!” Well, as you’re probably guessed by now, that audition call was for an opera based on that recent event in American history most closely associated with hot, sweaty buff manmeat: the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. [San Francisco Opera]

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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