Listening and discussion begin at 2:00 PM.

In addition to this Vestale, 1970 saw Scotto performing a number of operas much identified with Callas: La Sonnambula in Madrid, La Traviata in Verona, and Lucia di Lammermoor in Marseille, as well as her controversial debut in I Vespri Siciliani on La Scala’s opening night, the occasion of a widely-seen backstage photo of Scotto (still in costume) greeting Callas. — Christopher Corwin

Spontini: La Vestale (in Italian)

Florence Maggio Musicale
5 May 1970

Giulia: Renata Scotto
Gran Vestale: Oralia Dominguez
Licinio: Franco Tagliavini
Cinna Mirto Picchi
Grande sacerdote: Graziano Del Vivo
Aruspice: Giorgio Giorgetti

Vittorio Gui, conductor


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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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