Born on this day in 1867 conductor Arturo Toscanini.
Happy 74th birthday soprano Gabriela Benackova.
Birthday anniversaries of on this day in 1881 composer Béla Bartók (1881), baritone Karl Hammes (1896), composer Julia Perry (1924), conductor and composer Pierre Boulez (1925), conductor Zdenek Kosler (1928) and baritone Mario Sereni (1928).

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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