Soprano Alex Penda is en route to London on a rescue mission, for which her friends (young or otherwise) are doubtless giving thanks.

(This scene from Les Vêpres Siciliennes at the Teatro San Carlo, May 2011, in fact does not feature La Penda, but rather Rachele Stanisci, who is also in the mix at the Royal Opera House. See in the comments below for a clip of Penda singing the “Bolero.”)

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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