“Michael Heaston, the former Executive Director of the Met’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program, who currently holds positions at both Houston Grand Opera and Rice University, will be returning to the Met in July 2020 to replace Friend as the Artistic Administrator. Friend is in discussions with the Met about an ongoing artistic role with the company.” So says the Met’s press office.
Unfriended
The Metropolitan Opera announced today that longtime [almost 40 years!] Artistic Administrator Jonathan Friend will be stepping down from his position following the end of the 2019–20 season.
By La Cieca 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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Tell us: What was the best of 2025?
Parterre Box concludes the thrilling first year of Talk of the Town by inviting your lightning rod opinions on several more categories of operatic argumentation.
