The way I see it, there are bad ideas, like the revival of 1980s style for men or the U.S. defaulting on its debt ceiling. Then there are geniunely horrific delusions that should not even be mentioned in public, the kind of stuff you read in the comments section of breitbart.com. Today in Bloomberg’s coverage of the New York City Opera’s ongoing kerfuffle, the latter sort of insanity was repeated once more:  “We need someone with vision. Joseph Volpe is an exciting choice…” 

La Cieca realizes that nothing is more important to Manuela Hoelterhoff than having trains run on time, preferably without the annoyance of having to pay those silly soloists, musicians and chorus people a living wage, but… Volpe? Really, Manuela?

On the other hand, there’s the current status of the NYCO’s website to consider.

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.