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In honor of Giacomo Meyerbeer, the unjustly or (depending on how you look at it) justly neglected 19th century opera composer, a selection from Mike Richter‘s “Meyerbeer Operas” CD-ROM.
Il Crociato in Egitto
Carnegie Hall, New York
March 28, 1979
Aladino, sultan of Damletta: Justino Diaz
Palmide, daughter of Aladino: Yvonne Kenny
Armando d’Orville, knight, also known as Elmireno: Felicity Palmer
Adriano di Montfort: Rockwell Blake
Felicia: Dana Krueger
Alma: Carol Cates
Osmin: James Atherton
Conductor: Gianfranco Masini
Orchestra and Chorus of the Sacred Music Society
West Point Military Band
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.