On this date in 1991 the world premiere of John Corigliano‘s The Ghosts of Versailles took place at the Met.
Born on this day composers Giuseppe Giordani (1751) and Walter Braunfels (1882), conductor Fritz Reiner (1888), soprano and Glyndebourne founder Audrey Mildmay (1900), soprano Dusolina Giannini (1902) and baritone Sanford Sylvan (1953).

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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