Cast changes (already) for San Francisco Opera: Ukrainian baritone Vitaliy Bilyy will sing Miller in Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Luisa Miller opening Friday, September 11, replacing Thomas Hampson, “who after careful consideration has decided not to add this particular Verdi role to his repertoire prompting his withdrawal from the season opening production.” But wait, there’s more.

Dimitri Pittas will make his San Francisco Opera debut in the role of Michele beginning June 13 in the world premiere of Italian composer Marco Tutino’s opera Two Women (La Ciociara), in lieu of previously announced Stephen Costello who has withdrawn from the project citing personal reasons.

Elizabeth Futral joins the cast of Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in the role of the Beggar Woman.

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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