Photo: Roni Griffith “Part cabaret confessional, part homage to the Great American Songbook, [Sylvia] McNair’s album chronicles her move from the classical world into newfound artistic freedom, with a dose of life’s intensity along the way. Pieces by Gershwin and Bernstein, Previn and Porter (and probably one of the most unexpected covers of ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia’) paint a wry portrait of one woman’s life in music.” [Rock Paper Scissors]

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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