On this day in 1840 La Favorite premiered in Paris.
On this day in 1877 Samson et Dalila premiered in Weimar.
Birthday anniversaries of tenor and teacher Paul Althouse (1899); conductors Peter Herman Adler (also 1899) and John Barbirolli (1923); mezzo-soprano Irina Arkhipova (1925).

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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