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On this day in 1985 baritone Giuseppe Taddei made his belated Metropolitan Opera debut as Falstaff.
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Birthday anniversaries of composers Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683), Nicola Conforto (1718), Jesús Guridi (1886) and Roberto Gerhard (1896); poet and librettist Jaroslav Kvapil (1868); baritone Dennis Noble (1899); soprano Gerda Lammers (1915) and conductor Colin Davis (1927).
Photo: Ken Howard/Metropolitan Opera
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.
