Loisiana
By
La Cieca
This may seem a bit of a stretch, cher public, but stay with me. La Cieca introduces a new feature on parterre, named after not Lois Lane (pictured) but rather Lois Kirschenbaum, legendary Gotham opera fan. This Lois is widely regarded as a bellwether of noteworthy performances; or, to put it another way, if Lois is there, you know you’re in the right place. As such, this column will offer suggestions culled from the New York Opera Calendar for “the” performance in the NYC area each night of the following week. The elite are free to meet or not to meet as they prefer.
Week One: Here come the tenors!
Saturday, October 29: Il barbiere di Siviglia, Metropolitan Opera
Sunday, October 30: Jonas Kaufmann Recital, Metropolitan Opera
Monday, October 31: Marcello Giordani Foundation Concert
Tuesday, November 1: Le Pauvre Matelot, Pocket Opera of New York
Wednesday, November 2: Eric Owens interview, Opera News
Thursday, November 3: Don Giovanni, Metropolitan Opera
Friday, November 4: Satyagraha, Metropolitan Opera
Members of the cher public are invited to make their own nominations for the week’s highlights!
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.
