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.
“Jonas Kaufmann has canceled his performance as Don José in Bizet’s Carmen for this Wednesday, March 4, because he is suffering from the flu…”
Even if La Cieca can’t see you, cher public, she can hear you as you discuss off-topic and general interest subjects.
Yet another new role for Anna Netrebko on the horizon: in a press conference yesterday in Mexico, the soprano announced she plans to sing Adriana Lecouvreur.
Baritone Quinn Kelsey has been named the recipient of the tenth annual Beverly Sills Artist Award for young singers at the Metropolitan Opera.
On this day in 1974 the first issue of People magazine went on sale.
Cast changes (already) for San Francisco Opera.
“Speaking on Desert Island Discs, the German opera singer said that he and his colleagues felt as though they were in ‘straight-jackets,’ having to make diary commitments years in advance.”
Cheer up, cher public, and set yourself to the task of discussing off-topic and general interest subjects.
“It was the chilliest opening night at the Met in years on Monday—barely 15 degrees when the curtain went up on the company premiere of La Donna del Lago.“
The Metropolitan Opera’s 2015-16 season will present 227 opera performances in a varied repertory, ranging from rarely performed masterpieces to perennial audience favorites.
The Met announces its 2015-2016 season tomorrow at 1:00 PM, cher public, and La Cieca knows you will all be here to discuss and dissect
“Renée Fleming, like Krannert Center, embraces the art of our past, our present, and our collective future.”
Now that everyone (who is everyone) is here, cher public, proceed with the off-topic and general interest discussion!
It’s that time of the year when the Met does its season announcement, cher public.
“If Mozart had only had the sense to write Don Giovanni in a… single-performer format, last Wednesday’s revival at the Met would have been one for the ages.
“Dmitri Hvorostovsky and Luca Salsi will sing the role of Rodrigo in this season’s performances of Verdi’s Don Carlo, replacing Simon Keenlyside, who has withdrawn from the run due to illness.” So says the Met’s press department.
A sharp-eyed parterrian reports a poster of some sort (perhaps protesting Anna Netrebko and Valery Gergiev?) has somehow been affixed to the wall of the Met lobby at balcony level during tonight’s performance of Iolanta/Bluebeard’s Castle.
La Cieca is sure that you will be as thrilled as Creative Consultant Renée Fleming over the 2015-2016 season at Lyric Opera of Chicago.
The program Anna Netrebko sang at Beaver Creek on Thursday included her first public performance of “Suicidio!” from La Gioconda.
Even supermodels take a break from enjoying the opera now and again to discuss off-topic and general interest subjects.
Born on this day in 1908 American swimmer and actor Buster Crabbe.
“Aida to help bring an end to Sarasota Opera’s Verdi Cycle”
Mariusz Trelinski will direct Tristan und Isolde for Metropolitan Opera in a production that will premiere there on opening night 2016.
“Don’t bother with The Loft or The Boy Next Door: the most spine-chilling thriller currently playing isn’t on the screen of your local multiplex but on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera.”
Tell us: What’s your favorite Verdi performance?
Hasten thee to feed another quarter of conversation for The Talk of the Town!
