Daniels Walters weddingLongtime Friend of the Box David Daniels writes on Facebook: “Over the years, I have often been asked why I feel my sexuality is anyone’s business and why I am so open about it in print. “In Moscow today, I did an interview for the Bolshoi. The young woman interviewing me asked me the usual questions… Händel, countertenors,updated productions, conductors, recitals vs. opera etc… Then ‘off the record’ asked about my sexuality, even though she would lose her job if anything was printed. At the end of our interview, she informed me, she had a wedding picture of Scott, me and Justice Ginsberg on her desk and was asked to remove it. This, obviously, completely caught me off guard. As I left the interview room she teared up and hugged me and thanked me. To say I was humbled would be an enormous understatement. This is a day I will not forget anytime soon.”

photo via Twitter

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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