So, cher public, have you heard about this fabulous new plan to revive the New York City Opera under the direction of Michael Capasso? A keystone of the “Renaissance” of the company (as the prospectus puts it) will be to perform “period-consistent productions of standard repertoire” (e.g., the Franco Zeffirelli production of Tosca) in the Rose Theater. A more detailed plan, including scary photos of naked old people in Johann Kresnik‘s Erfurt production of Un ballo in maschera, may be found here.

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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