Happy 61st birthdays to soprano Cecilia Gasdia and actress/singer Sarah Brightman.
Birthday anniversaries of soprano Emma Luart (1892), conductor Franz Konwitschny (1901), baritone and teacher Martial Singher (1904), tenor Ferruccio Tagliavini (1913), stage director Giorgio Strehler (1921), composer William Flanagan (1923) and conductor Georges Prêtre (1924).

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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