Leave it to a cat to transform a Wagner festival into the Jellicle Ball. Yes, that’s right, Our Own operacat (pictured, center)  squeaked to a narrow victory in the Bicentenarian competition, following several ballots and good deal of horse-trading among La Cieca’s blue-ribbon panel.

It was the casting of Nathan Gunn as Beckmesser that put operacat over the top, frankly: exactly the tone of plausible absurdity that tickled the panel’s fancy. Congratulations, o feline one: the Wagner: Complete Operas (Limited Edition) will be winging its way to you shortly.

As anyone who watched the recent Golden Globes can attest, Jodie Foster is barking mad being nominated is in itself an honor. And so, presenting our four runners-up, each of whom will receive the consolation prize of an Amazon Gift Card.

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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