By La Cieca 
Never mind the décolletage, cher public, but rather discuss off-topic and general interest topics. For starters, take a look at today’s birthday greetings, after the jump.
Born on this day in 1790 composer Nicola Vaccai
Born on this day in 1894 soprano Rose PaulyBorn on this day in 1900 tenor Kurt BaumBorn on this day in 1915 tenor Mirto PicchiHappy 86th birthday soprano Antonietta StellaHappy 61st birthday soprano Isobel BuchananHappy 60th birthday baritone Mikael Melbye
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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Parterre Box concludes the thrilling first year of Talk of the Town by inviting your lightning rod opinions on several more categories of operatic argumentation.
