Opera from a certain point of view. The best opera magazine on the web. Reviews, breaking news, critical essays, and brainrot commentary on opera from those demented enough to love it.
On this day in 2015 editorial doyenne La Cieca booked premium seats for a theater party to see the waggish comedy bombshell Living on Love. The parterriani are cordially invited!
Born on this day in 1697 writer Antoine Francois PrevostBorn on this day in 1732 (some sources say March 31) composer Franz Joseph HaydnBorn on this day in 1866 composer Ferruccio BusoniBorn on this day in 1873 composer Sergei RachmaninoffBorn on this day in 1892 tenor/baritone Renato ZanelliBorn on this day in 1911 director and administrator Günther RennertBorn on this day in 1921 composer William BergsmaBorn on this day in 1928 tenor Hermin Esser
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.
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.
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.