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 twice-weekly column on opera for the New York Observer. He also hosts the more or less weekly livecast “parterre saturday afternoon.”
Live from the 
The opening of the 2019 Bayreuth season, 
Alexander Neef (currently Canadian Opera Company’s General Director and Santa Fe Opera’s Artistic Director) will succeed Stéphane Lissner as chief at the Opéra de Paris. Neef’s first season at the helm in Paris will commence in 2021. [
In memory of Jason T. McVicker (August 13, 1962 – October 13, 2016.) We pause to remember how Jason touched and enriched our lives. Jason was an 
Cher Public