Streaming and discussion (if any) begin at 7:30 PM.

Having heard him conduct Così numerous times (the second performance I ever attended at the Met was the premiere of the 1982 Colin Graham production which also heralded Kiri Te Kanawa’s return after a six-year absence), I know it’s an opera that Levine clearly loves and one that brings out the best in him. The orchestra positively glowed throughout Tuesday’s season premiere, its winds glorious, its strings shimmering with a burnished glow. But this was not an old man’s Così—it bubbled along briskly, never falling into the ponderousness that can afflict his Wagner. — Our Own Christopher Corwin

Photo: Marty Sohl / Metropolitan 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.

Comments