This week’s canard is inspired by recent sad news here in New York, and it goes something like this: “Naturally those European opera houses are going to present all sort of frivolous and unlikable productions and bizarre repertoire, because they receive lavish subsidies and don’t have to sell tickets. Ma in America questo non si può: here opera is not subsidized and therefore impresarios are forced to present works and productions with strong box office appeal.”
Deductible canard
This week’s canard is inspired by recent sad news here in New York, and it goes something like this…
By La Cieca 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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Tell us: What was the best of 2025?
Parterre Box concludes the thrilling first year of Talk of the Town by inviting your lightning rod opinions on several more categories of operatic argumentation.