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.
Of all films to be adapted into operas, 1967’s Berserk! seems a most unlikely choice.
“Lyric’s November staging of Alban Berg’s Wozzeck is the only American contender in the new-production category, conducted by Lyric Music Director Sir Andrew Davis and directed by Sir David McVicar.”
The most popular postings for the month follow the jump.
La Cieca and the whole gang down at parterre HQ would like to give a tip of the hat and a rousing Double Maxie Ford Pullback to our advertisers, who this month are a very numerous group indeed!
“No hitting? They got hitting! They got no defense!”
Which queen wore it better, Rufus Wainwright or Sondra Radvanovsky?
“Revised version of Brokeback Mountain debuts in Salzburg”
Just when La Cieca thought it was impossible to adore Anna Netrebko more, she has run across this photo on Facebook.
Here is where the parterriani gather to discuss the Met’s Saturday afternoon broadcast of Berg’s Lulu, beginning at 1:00 PM.
Ana María Martínez will sing Cio-Cio-San in Puccini’s Madama Butterfly on February 27 and March 5.
“Finally, Ms. Fleming reveals a completely different side of her artistry: her life-long passion for jazz…”
Here’s your place to chat during tonight’s Met broadcast of Le nozze di Figaro, beginning at 7:30 PM.
Delightful, delirious Deborah Voigt trades in her little black dress for a little red apron when she makes her role debut as Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd with Florida Grand Opera in April 2017.
“Friday night’s triumph may well leave the Met’s management wondering how it let such a gem slip through its fingers.”
Anna Netrebko‘s sold-out recital at the Metropolitan Opera House on Sunday afternoon will be broadcast on SiriusXM Met Opera Radio, channel 74.
Which legendary operatic lady of New York, now in the twilight of her career, is currently studying a dusty old bel canto score in preparation for yet another comeback?
New York City Opera will complete its season with “three major premieres.”
“The snow glows white on the mountain tonight, not a footprint to be seen…”
Happy 63rd birthday actress and singer Christine Ebersole.
La Cieca welcomes cher public (not pictured) to the real-time chat (or at least commentary) for the Saturday afternoon broadcast of Maria Stuarda, starting at 1:00 PM ET.
“Mr. Eyre’s production… was just another in a series of ugly, gargantuan stagings signaling the Met’s endemic lack of imagination or artistic ambition.”
“The Met also said a new production of Bellini’s Norma with Anna Netrebko and Joyce DiDonato will open the 2017-18 season.”
The Met’s 2016-2017 season opens on September 26 with a new production of Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde, conducted by Sir Simon Rattle.
“In opera, voice is everything.”
Tell us: What’s your favorite Verdi performance?
Hasten thee to feed another quarter of conversation for The Talk of the Town!
