La Cieca is delighted to congratulate Dame Gwyneth Jones, born November 7, 1936, on her diam0nd birthday anniversary. At 75, Dame Gwyneth is still active, both as the President of the Wagner Society of Great Britain and as a performer, scheduled to return to the Vienna State Opera in the spring of 2012 as Herodias in Salome.

Like many big-voiced singers, Dame Gwyneth is not always best served by studio recordings, and so La Cieca was delighted to hear from Andrew Whitfield of Opera Depot that in honor of the soprano’s birthday he has prepared a number of the soprano’s live recordings for release. Here’s a sample of prime Jones in Verdi:

D’amor sull’ali rosee

Andrew is partnering with parterre.com in offering these recordings, which you may peruse (and order, if you wish) on parterre.com’s special Dame Gwyneth Jones at Opera Depot page.

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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