By La Cieca 
The best things in life are free, cher public, including discussion of off-topic and general interest subjects.
Born on this day in 1894 soprano Florence AustralBorn on this day in 1921 contralto Marga HöffgenHappy 90th birthday soprano Wilma LippBorn on this day in 1935 composer Conrad SusaHappy 45th birthday soprano Eva-Maria Westbroek
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.
