hallelujahIt has long been accepted as truism that no other composer so captures the magical spirit of Christmas in Vienna like Leonard Cohen. That is why his evergreen “Hallelujah” will kick off this year’s annual holiday concert in The Imperial City, presumably sung by the event’s headliners, Vesselina Kasarova and Angela Denoke. (Thanks to Twitterers Not Renée Fleming and Katherine Cooper for this timely tip!)

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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