See, the problem with trying to revive Semiramide today is not the work’s vast length, its superhuman vocal demands, or even that bit of bother about an adorable elderly uncle’s roguish camp humour. The real issue, surely, is competing with the memory of the spectacular casting lavished upon the work during the golden age of the Volpe era.

Metropolitan Opera House
October 26, 1992

SEMIRAMIDE {19}
Rossini-Ga. Rossi

Semiramide..............Christine Weidinger
Arsace..................Gloria Scalchi [Debut]
Assur...................Barseg Tumanyan
Azema...................Youmi Cho [Debut]
Idreno..................Frank Lopardo
Oroe....................Jeffrey Wells
Nino's Ghost............Yanni Yannissis
Mitrane.................Michael Forest
Attendant...............Suzanne Laurence

Conductor...............Ion Marin [Debut]

Photo: Ken Howard / Met Opera

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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