“Records show conductor James Levine’s company received $936,755 from the Metropolitan Opera in his 47th and final season,” during which time, La Cieca reminds you, the disgraced former music director conducted a grand total of 16 1/3 performances. Your doyenne leaves the math as an exercise for the student. [AP]

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.

Comments