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.
Thanks to La Cieca’s extensive network of spies, she is able to present for your perusal, cher public, the proposal for the revival of the New York City Opera presented by the higher bidder for the company.
Take a break from whatever sports game may be played today, cher public, and discuss a few off-topic and general interest subjects.
Andriana Chuchman will sing the role of Valencienne in this season’s April and May performances of Lehár’s The Merry Widow.
This evening’s performance of Iolanta/Bluebeard’s Castle has been cancelled.
“Conservatives cherished it for being small and inconvenient…”
Not only are our friends at Opera Depot burning up the internet with a one-day sale on their entire collection at 60% off, they’re also offering a free download of 15 different versions of the complete Immolation Scene from Götterdämmerung.
“The board of the bankrupt New York City Opera says it wants to sell its name and other assets to the bidder whose offer is lower than the competing bid.”
I expected something lovely, but what I beheld was nothing short of magnificent.
Contrary to previous reports, Jonas Kaufmann says he is not dating Madonna.
Our good friends (and advertisers) at Maestro Artist Management have been wondering just how much you, the cher public, know about Ildar Abdrazakov.
Your doyenne is no good at housewifely duties.
The first two installments of Coloraturafan‘s interview series are now live.
“I’m afraid that is not a fact.”
It’s particularly bewildering that before 2013 there was no such thing as the Prototype Festival.
Which American opera diva’s next starring project will be an appearance as Florence Foster Jenkins in a film about that earlier American diva’s life and times?
The celebrated Russian mezzo-soprano has died. She was 75.
Take your time promenading, cher public, but please return in time to discuss off-topic and general interest subjects before the bell rings for the next act.
La Cieca is sometimes asked what it is that a dramaturg does, or why it is that an opera house need a dramaturg
Krzysztof Warlikowski‘s controversial production of Don Giovanni at La Monnaie is now streaming online.
Jungfer Marianne Leitmetzerin (not pictured) congratulates Countervail for the best attempt at identifying the “Brass Divas.”
>”Ghastly!” — New York Observer
Appearances to the contrary, La Cieca is not teasing when she invites the cher public (pictured) to enjoy discussion of off-topic and general interest subjects.
Finally La Cieca understands what tumblr is for: “Alice Coote and Boobs.”
Tell us: What’s your favorite Verdi performance?
Hasten thee to feed another quarter of conversation for The Talk of the Town!
