Paul Curran, who has been head of Norway’s National Opera since 2007, has resigned, ending his contract with the company two years early. His immediate plans include staging La bohéme at Santa Fe this summer, then returning to Oslo to direct Die Zauberflöte before stepping down from his post at the end of December.

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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