viaggioFrom 2008, Unnatural Acts of Opera recalls 1988, when Rossini’s Il viaggo a Reims invaded the Wiener Staatoper. 

Corinna: Cecilia Gasdia
Marchesa Melibea: Lucia Valentini-Terrani
Contessa di Folleville: Lella Cuberli
Madama Cortese: Montserrat Caballe
Cavalier Belfiore: Frank Lopardo
Conte di Libenskof: Chris Merritt
Lord Sidney: Ferruccio Furlanetto
Don Profondo: Ruggero Raimondi
Barone di Trombonok: Enzo Dara
Don Alvaro: Lucio Gallo
Don Prudenzio: Goran Simic
Don Luigino: Paolo Pellegrini
Maddalena: Gabriele Sima
Modestina: Barbara Frittoli
Antonio: Marzio Giossi
Gelsomino: Ezio Pirovano.
Vienna Opera, 20 January 1988.
Conductor: Claudio Abbado.

Also featured: La Cieca’s celebrated “Grand Hotel” sketch.

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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