La Cieca
James Jorden (who writes under the names "La Cieca" and "Our Own JJ") is the founder and editor of parterre box. During his 20 year career as an opera critic he has written for the New York Times, Opera, Gay City News, Opera Now, Musical America and the New York Post. He has also raised his voice in punditry on National Public Radio. From time to time he has directed opera, including three unsuccessful productions of Don Giovanni, a work he hopes to return to someday. Currently he alternates his doyenne duties with writing a weekly column on opera for the New York Observer.
Sponsored
Start the celebration early!
“Utter genius” (Broadway World) Dorothy Bishop returns to the Triad Theater for her annual Dozen Divas Holiday Spectacular. Dorothy presents fully costumed, vocally brilliant send-ups of the world’s greatest singing icons from Barbra to Cher to Adele. More information and tickets.
Sondra Radvanovsky‘s mean, moody, magnificent Medea fascinated the cher public as the season kicked in at the end of September.
By La Cieca
On this day in 1968, the Metropolitan Opera debuted a new production of Tosca (the company’s first since 1917!) featuring Birgit Nilsson and Franco Corelli.
By La Cieca
Lise Davidsen and Le Gateau Chocolat reunite for this performance from the 2022 Bayreuth Festival.
By La Cieca
Diva of the moment Sondra Radvanovsky previews yet another great role: Puccini’s Turandot.
By La Cieca
Live broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera’s opening night, featuring Sondra Radvanovsky in the title role.
By La Cieca
On this day in 2017 the Metropolitan Opera opened its season with a new production of Norma starring Sondra Radvanovsky.
By La Cieca
From the 2022 Bayreuth Festival conducted by Christian Thielemann.
By La Cieca
Massenet’s opera at that Théâtre des Champs-Elysées in Paris starring Ermonela Jaho.
By La Cieca
Live from the Vienna State Opera starring Elina Garanca and Piotr Beczala.
By La Cieca
Live video from the Finnish National Opera and Ballet.
By La Cieca
Karine Deshayes, Michael Spyres and Amina Edris are featured in Bellini’s opera at the Festival d’Aix 2022.
By La Cieca
The cher public (not pictured) made the sizzling month August a time of listening and discussion.
By La Cieca
John Osborn is featured in the rarely-heard tenor version of Ambroise Thomas’ grand opera.
By La Cieca
From Santa Fe Opera, featuring Simon O’Neill and Tamara Wilson.
By La Cieca
Gustavo Dudamel conducts this performance from the Bastille Opera.
By La Cieca
Asmik Grigorian sings all three leading roles in this broadcast from the Salzburg Festival.
By La Cieca
FInal day of the opening Ring of the 2022 Bayreuth season.
By La Cieca
The second say of Der Ring des Nibelungen, live from the Bayreuth Festival.
By La Cieca
Beverly Sills and Renée Fleming (not pictured) rightly crown the list of most-read parterre box articles for August 2022.
By La Cieca
A live broadcast as the Bayreuth Festival launches a new Ring cycle.
By La Cieca
Recorded July 14 at the Aix-en-Provence Festival.
By La Cieca
