UPDATE: A full story of NYCO’s woes, including distressing quotes from George Steel is now online at the New York Times.

NYCO is leaving Lincoln Center, cutting staff and is going to “scale back its performance schedule” (is such a thing possible?) George Steel says the announcement of the company’s new home “would be made in weeks,” though, again, I’ll believe those sisters have moved to Moscow when they send me a postcard from Old Basmanny Street. All kidding aside, La Cieca is told that there will be a delay in any further signficant action while the NYCO board waits for approval from the state attorney general, part of the agreement NYCO made when they were given permission to raid the endowment. But, basically, this is just heartbreaking. [AP]

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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