The convergencing
No, this is too scary to be a coincidence.
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.
Moore than a feeling
New York City Opera Renaissance has officially announced casting for their impending production of Tosca.
On boroughed time
“By the end of next year… the axis of opera in New York may just possibly have shifted from Lincoln Center to a loft in Gowanus.”
Vola talor dal carcere
Spain’s world-famous opera star Montserrat Caballe was handed a six-month suspended jail sentence and fined more than 250,000 euros ($275,000) on Tuesday for cheating the taxman.”
The elf on the self
Tenor/Sunnysider Jonathan Blalock, recent creator of the title role in Mark Adamo‘s Becoming Santa Claus at Dallas Opera, guests on the essential podcast The Sewers of Paris.
Touched by an angel
La Cieca reminds the cher public (pictured) that The Fiery Angel, webcast live from Munich, begins shortly.
Un Ravens kicker, ardendo di geloso furor
Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker may or may not be giving up his day job any time soon.
Now I wouldn’t presume to tell the cher public what the cher public ought to think
Where does the time go?
Profitons bien de la jeunesse
La Cieca (pictured) notes that next year’s recipients of the F. Paul Driscoll Awards for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Excellence will include Joseph Calleja, Elina Garanca, Waltraud Meier, Anna Netrebko and José van Dam, which means we are now officially out of old singers.
Ambizioso spirto, tu sei NYCO
New York City Opera Renaissance certainly seems to have its eyes on the future.
Ogni curation si doni al diletto
Thank goodness all that curating of Bel Canto and artistic advising and such doesn’t take up all Renee Fleming‘s precious hours!
The hole truth
Finally the reason for all that screaming at La Scala begins to emerge.
Clickbait
Facebook assures me that running this ad will send readers simply flocking to the Parterre Box Presents La Cieca page.
Eminence grise
Even when he’s not conducting the production, or, for that matter, even after the production is closed, Maestro Levine remains a presence on the Met’s website.
Bird lives!
The Apollo Theater and Opera Philadelphia just announced that Charlie Parker’s YARDBIRD will have its New York premiere in a co-production between the two institutions, April 1 and 3, 2016.
Vanishing act
Kasper Holten, Director of Opera at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, has announced he will quit this post in March 2017.
Mattiwilda Dobbs 1925-2015
The African-American coloratura soprano, was one of the first black artists to sing leading roles in international theaters, died yesterday.
Cher public, affrettati, precipita per l’etra!
La Cieca’s familiar spirits have been turning their generally steely eyes to the Future Met Wiki, attempting in vain to make sense of impending repertoire and casting at Casa Gelb.
Tits de-lovely
“Khatia’s great tits have come quite naturally, without a struggle.”
Giovanna in the dark
From La Scala, starting at 11:00 AM ET, a “Backstage Live” view of the opening night performance of Giovanna d’Arco.
Text appeal
The festivities begin at 1:00 PM today with La bohème.
Renaissance woman
La Cieca is wondering who, in fact, will be performing the role of the Roman diva, or, for that matter, any other role in this production.
As the Crowe flies
Mireille Asselin will sing the role of Adele in this evening’s season premiere performance of Johann Strauss, Jr.’s Die Fledermaus.”
“It’s been a lot of fun”
“Joyce DiDonato and Rufus Wainwright will discuss a variety of topics…”