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.
You, the cher public (pictured) have spoken, and La Cieca is happy to reinstate this weekly posting where you are invited to discuss off-topic and general interest subjects.
Now’s the time to fill those gaps in your collection, cher public.
Given Anna Netrebko‘s continuing success at the Met in Macbeth (as evidenced by an mid-scene “brava” in last night’s Sirius broadcast), it’s time to think about the future—specifically her local assignments for next season.
Tonight, Joyce DiDonato will perform the music from her new album Stella di Napoli at the Gowanus Ballroom.
What retired executive might be on the cusp of fulfilling a lifelong dream?
Actual contextual advertising served with an anti-Klinghoffer screed.
In honor of WQXR’s salute to the Richard Tucker Music Foundation next week—featuring Tucker honoree Michael Fabiano and hosted by legendary Renata Scotto—La Cieca invites the cher public to compete for free tickets to the mini-concert.
Well, it’s finally happened. Jessye Norman has reached that moment in her career when she starts pronouncing the word “costume” with the accent on the second syllable.
This week Jungfer Marianne Leitmetzerin presents for our delight a rare live performance of Tchaikovsky’s The Enchantress.
“Thank goodness the Met’s new production by Richard Eyre lacks a bold new concept.”
The Met press office announces: “Hei-Kyung Hong will sing the role of Mimì in Puccini’s La Bohème on September 26 and 29, replacing Ekaterina Scherbachenko, who is ill.”
“So it’s twice as disappointing that Monday night’s performance of the Mozart masterpiece turned into a four-hour fizzle.”
“I applaud the Klinghoffer protesters for voicing their opinions, but that doesn’t stop me from saying that I find those opinions ill-informed, inept and downright dangerous.”
Our Own JJ (pictured) is off to cover the Met’s opening night.
You’ve cast your votes for the operas you most look forward to hearing at the Met this fall, and if the opera has “Macbeth” in the title, you’re there.
Our Own Jungfer Marianne Leitmetzerin celebrates tonight’s opening of the season at the Met with an opening night from the past: a 1967 performance of La traviata.
As the New York season starts, cher public, here is your refuge where you may discuss off-topic and general interest subjects.
Here’s a last-minute alert to a bit of baroque in downtown NYC: the project WhiteboxLab: SoundLounge will livestream performances of Handel’s Alcina tonight and tomorrow night (Sunday) starting each evening at 7:00 PM.
In honor of “Talk Like a Pirate Day” La Cieca invites you, the cher public, to share reminiscences (and, where applicable, YouTube clips) of your favorite pirate recordings.
Born on this day in 1949 Twiggy.
“Possibly Grange Park Opera’s most ambitious production… Ever.”
The very busy Met press office announces: “The Metropolitan Opera announces cast changes for this season’s performances of Wagner’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Verdi’s Aida, and Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel.”
“The sensation is that you are actually right there in the studio with Callas herself.”
Tell us: What’s your favorite Verdi performance?
Hasten thee to feed another quarter of conversation for The Talk of the Town!
