On this day in 2009, Zachary Woolfe made his debut as an opera critic in the Observer with an interview with our own La Cieca. Born on this day in 1900 composer George Antheil.Born on this day in 1912 soprano Christel Goltz.Happy 65th birthday bass Matthias Hölle.
“It wasn’t my intention to get notoriety”
On this day in 2009, Zachary Woolfe made his debut as an opera critic in the Observer.
By La Cieca 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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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.