
fetid fêted at a black-tie gala on Sunday, April 5, 2020, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. [Opera News]
Photo: Matthu Placek
It’s that time of year again, cher public: the 47th 15th annual announcement of the recipients of the F. Paul Driscoll Awards for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Excellence!

fetid fêted at a black-tie gala on Sunday, April 5, 2020, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. [Opera News]
Photo: Matthu Placek
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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