No, not a Regie quiz—though that feature will return soon enough now that the season is up and running—but rather an image from the new Dmitri Tcherniakov production of Jenufa for the Opernhaus Zürich.

It’s a gala affair: conducted by Fabio Luisi, starring Kristine Opolais (pictured above), Michaela Martens, Christopher Ventris, Pavol Breslik and no less than Hanna Schwarz as Grandmother Burja. This bit of luxury casting is perhaps motivated by a  major change in one of the work’s plot points, which involves the old lady in the death of Jenufa’s child.

The company’s preview video, hinting at the boldly atmospheric lighting design by Gleb Filshtinsky, is below.

Photo: Monika Rittershaus

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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