By La Cieca 
La Cieca thought she could omit birthday greetings for la Scotto this year since there was a big mention of the diva earlier this week, but the emails, IMs and, for all La Cieca knows, telegrams have been pouring in all day demanding a salute. And far be it from La Cieca to refuse the cher public!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHdXYgKeXBo
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.
Parterre Box concludes the thrilling first year of Talk of the Town by inviting your lightning rod opinions on several more categories of operatic argumentation.
