After an absence of seven seasons, tenor Richard Leech will return to the stage of the Met on April 27 as Albert Gregor in The Makropulos Case. He replaces Kurt Streit (who withdrew because of illness) in the entire run of the Janacek opera through May 11. The Makropulos Case, conducted by Jirí Belohlávek and directed by Elijah Moshinsky, also stars Karita Mattila as Emilia Marty, Johan Reuter in his Met debut as Jaroslav Prus, and Tom Fox as Dr. Kolenaty.

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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