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.
Count on the New York Times to include in a photo caption all the information you really wanted to know.
A readers’ discussion of Gaetano Donizetti garnered the most pageviews of any parterre posting in November.
La Cieca invites you, the cher public, to give a round of applause to our beloved sponsors for the month of December.
If only there were a way to make the onerous (yet necessary) task of holiday shopping just a bit easier!
Rufus (Prima Donna) Wainwright sinks his teeth into a little Mascagni, partnered by a very game Sarah Fox.
Congratulations to Leitbreite, whose cunning ears identified all but one of the singers in last week’s “Orpheus” quiz.
Happy Thanksgiving U.S. Paterrians!
Though the soi-disant “NYCO Renaissance” has not yet actually set dates for, you know, performances, you will be happy to note that on November 30 you’ll have the opportunity to attend a fundraiser for the troupe—at a $250 top.
La Cieca hears that Peter Gelb and representatives of the Met’s various unions (not pictured) have begun preliminary plans for adding regular Sunday performances to the company’s schedule.
This new production of Le nozze di Figaro by Stefan Herheim looks seriously fabulous.
Roberto De Biasio and Gwyn Hughes Jones will sing Pinkerton in the initial performances of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly at the Met this spring.
“From drab to fab!”
Our Own JJ confesses he just doted on Heartbreak Express, but “You Us We All was not my cup of twee.”
Your task this week: Name That Orpheus!
La Cieca hears that the Metropolitan Opera will perform “La Marseillaise” before this afternoon’s performance of Tosca.
Always look for the helpers.
On this day in 1940, Walt Disney‘s animated film Fantasia was released, with the unique credit “Special Lyrics for ‘Ave Maria’ by Rachel Field.”
Lyric Opera of Chicago’s ticket sale income decreased by almost $3 million between FY 2014 and FY 2015.
“Merry Widow final dress rehearsal was a big success! Renée is simply to die for!”
“‘Fat-pack’ critic-attacked mezzo to debut at Carnegie Hall”
“The group originally hoped to mount a lavish production by Franco Zeffirelli….”
Continuing coverage of the Met’s new Alban Berg spectacular.
Though La Cieca hates to put the brakes on anyone’s excitement, the cher public should be aware that a beloved veteran diva is going to be a no-show at the Met Guild luncheon on Friday.
Why, look: Norman Lebrecht has found yet another reactionary cause to embrace!
Tell us: What’s your favorite Verdi performance?
Hasten thee to feed another quarter of conversation for The Talk of the Town!
