In Ring und Reih’ die Hall’ erfüllen die Helden
Our Own JJ has been thinking about Bayreuth some more, this time in the pages of Musical America.
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.
there s a dance in the old dame yet
Karita Mattila (pictured) sings a little Verdi.
In the Depression was I depressed? Nowhere near.
Put on a happy face, cher public, and discuss off-topic and general interest subjects to your hearts’ content.
Hehr bist du, und heilig gewahr’ ich das Wotanskind
Coincidental with the ongoing parterre discussion about the careers of dramatic sopranos, our friends at Opera Depot are saluting the immortal Astrid Varnay.
Canard of the “decade”
“Women are lucky if they get a good 10-year run with these big parts like Brünnhilde and Isolde.”
Portrait of a Lady
Congratulations to world’s wittiest diva Martina Arroyo, who has just been named a recipient of the the 2013 Kennedy Center Honors.
Winged victors
The winners of the ninth annual F. Paul Driscoll Awards for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Excellence (or, as they are colloquially known, the “Opera News Awards”) have been revealed.
Annagnorsis
Our Own JJ debuts in the pages of the New York Observer.
Slow but steady
With almost three weeks to go, New York City Opera’s Kickstarter campaign is only $956,985 short of its goal.
Slow curtain
“New York City Opera… will be forced to cancel most of its current season and all of its next season if it fails to raise $20 million by year’s end, company officials say.”
Eyes on the prize
La Cieca (not pictured) is delighted to hear of the success of Friday night’s vigil by Gays Without Borders for LGBT citizens of Russia at the opening night of the San Francisco Opera’s new season.
A place behind the sun
How better to launch this week’s general interest discussion than with a video of Joyce DiDonato singing “Over the Rainbow” at the Last Night of the Proms?
O blind item!
Ask not which soprano just canceled her only remaining opera gig for the year; ask whether the blue gown will fit her replacement.
Weia! Waga! Woge, du Wall Street!
When the world ended last week, it happened in New York City.
Vanderducken
Here’s a canard proceeding from a clearly truthful premise.
Equal temperament
On the occasion of “the greatest party for Classical Music on the planet,” the Last Night of the Proms, mezzo Joyce DiDonato quietly (but audibly) takes a stand for equality.
We all lead such elaborate lives
LA SCALA DE MILAN propose à Roberto une nouvelle production d’AIDA sous la Direction de Lorin MAAZEL ainsi qu’une nouvelle collaboration pour le futur.