httpvh://youtu.be/ZAgt5hDq6HA

On this day in 1959 Alban Berg’s Wozzeck had its Metropolitan Opera premiere.

On this day in 1856 the second Royal Opera House Covent Garden theatre was destroyed by fire.

On this day in 1868 Arrigo Boito’s Mefistofele premiered in Milan.

Birthday anniversaries of composers William Shield (1748), Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887) and Anthony Hedges (1931), tenors Alessio De Paolis (1893) and Josip Gostic (1900), and sopranos Gitta Alpar (1903) and Sylvia Stahlman (1929).

Happy birthday to parterre box scribe Todd Koenig.

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