“There are so many neglected operas like Antony and Cleopatra or Les Huguenots that have been treated so unfairly by history (or the public, or critics, or Political Correctness or whatever), when all they need is just five million dollars worth of production and six or seven of the world’s greatest and most expensive singers, and, lo and behold, everyone would instantly and unanimously recognize them as the towering masterpieces they really are. And why doesn’t anyone ever ask Renée Fleming to do Damrosch’s The Man Without a Country? I would go see it.”

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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