Our Own JJ‘s nominee for 2012 Newsmaker of the Year: the Met’s Peter Gelb, “not the cuddliest man in the business, [but] neither is he a coward. The Met is a great opera company, and Gelb is now proving himself one of its greatest leaders.” [Musical America]

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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