By La Cieca 
The superstar of recent competitions is Grimoaldo, particularly his response to the Analogy challenge. Also outstanding, his modesty notwithstanding, is Brooklynpunk, who nailed the “Interpolation” competition and is invited to enjoy the preview of The Enchanted Island tomorrow night.
A runner-up (and therefore, in this best of all possible parterre worlds, also a winner) in the “Analogy” contest was the lovely and talented Arepo.
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.
Parterre Box concludes the thrilling first year of Talk of the Town by inviting your lightning rod opinions on several more categories of operatic argumentation.
