As everyone knows, practically nobody reads the Saturday edition of the New York Times even during the winter, much less on the first weekend of the summer when everyone who might be interested in giving money to an opera company is on their way to the Hamptons.

So it comes as no surprise that it is tomorrow’s edition of the Times that breaks the not very pleasant news that the 2008-2009 season at the New York City Opera will consist of exactly two performances. The budget for this (ahem) abbreviated stagione? Oh, about, say, $32 million.

By the way, did La Cieca mention that the NYCO orchestra will stay busy touring the boroughs with a program of Messiaen, Stravinsky, Foss, Reich and Varèse?

Coming up on the Fourth of July weekend: Anthony Tommasini examines Gérard Mortier‘s medical records.

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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