The first full week of December is mostly, but not completely, about the Met.  

Saturday 12/3, obviously you’re going to gather around the radio for the opening of the Saturday broadcast season, which is Rodelinda and you know the chat will be lively. On the 4th, Walton’s The Bear looks interesting at Zankel Hall. The Met’s season premiere of Madama Butterfly is on the 5th, followed by a repeat of Faust on the 6th: it might be interesting to see how much of the staging is going away now that Des McAnuff is permanently out of town. Set your alarm clock on the 7th and get down to Big Cinemas Manhattan for La Scala’s opening night Don Giovanni with the dream team cast and an intriguing Robert Carsen production. (Remember intriguing productions?) Change things up at the end of the week with Iolanta (Dicapo) on the 8th and Barber of Seville (Amore Opera) on the 9th.

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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