Happy 84th birthdays administrator Speight Jenkins and composer Philip Glass.
Perspective
Born on this day in 1902 actress Tallulah Bankhead.
By La Cieca
On this day in 1974 Verdi’s I vespri siciliani had its first Metropolitan Opera performance.Birthday anniversaries of librettist Felice Romani (1788), composer Franz Schubert (1797) and tenor Mario Lanza and performer Carol Channing (both 1921).
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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A Baroque Valentine’s with Opera Lafayette | Feb | DC & NYC
Celebrate love in all its guises with tender ballads, amorous duets, cheeky verses, and bawdy drinking songs plus food, cocktails and wine.
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