Smoldering Vesselina Kasarova is Carmen in a 2009 live performance from the Wiener Staatsoper, this week’s offering from Jungfer Marianne Leizmetzerin.

Georges Bizet: Carmen

Wiener Staatsoper
Asher Fisch, conductor
28 February 2009

Carmen – Vesselina Kasarova
Don José – José Cura
Micaëla – Genia Kühmeier
Escamillo – Ildebrando D’Arcangelo
Frasquita – Ileana Tonca
Mercédès – Sophie Marilley
Zuniga – Janusz Monarcha
Moralès – Marcus Pelz
Remendado – Benedikt Kobel
Dancairo – Clemens Unterreiner
Lillas Pastia – Hacik Bayvertian

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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