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.
The acclaimed singer and actress is joined by musical director Andy Einhorn for a varied selection of songs, as well as a conversation with CBS Sunday Morning correspondent Mo Rocca about the role of artistic expression in times of social change.
Christie’s is auctioning nearly 300 scores once owned by Maria Callas…
Starring Maria Guleghina, Dimitri Pittas, Zeljko Lucic and John Relyea, conducted by James Levine. From January 12, 2008.
“The worst public in the opera are these obsessed gays. . . . All these rich guys with nothing to do in their life, just following Anna Netrebko or Jonas Kaufmann on all continents. This is not a real audience for me.”
Born on this day in 1909 soprano Licia Albanese.
Starring Éva Marton, Tatiana Troyanos, Richard Cassilly Bernd Weikl and John Macurdy. Conducted by James Levine. From December 20, 1982.
Part three of the Ring from Stuttgart kicks off a Wagner double header today.
As revealed in a complete recording which appeared this morning, Anna Netrebko was in fine form in Naples at the anteprima of Tosca at the Piazza del Plebiscito.
Lawrence Brownlee as Count Almamiva, Christopher Maltman as Figaro and Isabel Leonard as Rosina.
The most-performed production in Met history, as seen in its debut season, starring Teresa Stratas, José Carreras, Renata Scotto and James Morris.
Broadcast of a 2014 production by Des Moines Metro Opera.
Starring Amanda Majeski, Marlis Petersen, Isabel Leonard, Peter Mattei and Ildar Abdrazakov, conducted by James Levine. From October 18, 2014.
“Superstar tenor Jonas Kaufmann sings 12 of the most popular, show-stopping arias in the operatic repertoire, live from the ornate Polling Abbey located in the rolling Bavarian countryside outside Munich, Germany.”
Born on this day in 1821 mezzo-soprano and composer Pauline Viardot-Garcia.
Starring Elina Garanca and Lawrence Brownlee, conducted by Maurizio Benini. From May 9, 2009.
“Disillusioned with life, the aged philosopher Faust calls upon Satan to help him.” Production by David McVicar.
Born on this day in 1914 soprano Eleanor Steber.
This William Kentridge production stars Elza van den Heever, Gerhard Siegel, Peter Mattei and Christian van Horn, conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin. From January 11, 2020.
Roberto Frontali (Rigoletto), Ayón Rivas (Duca di Mantova), Rosa Feola (Gilda), Riccardo Zanellato (Sparafucile); Sul podio Daniele Gatti, regia di Damiano Michieletto.
Born on this day in 1911 singer, dancer and actress Ginger Rogers.
Starring Maria Guleghina, Marina Poplavskaya, Marcello Giordani and Samuel Ramey, conducted by Andris Nelsons. From November 7, 2009.
This afternoon, the Teatro Real in Madrid livestreams their much-discussed “distanced” staging with a cast headed by Marina Rebeka, Michael Fabiano and Artur Rucinski.
Starring Ileana Cotrubas, Plácido Domingo and Cornell MacNeil, conducted by James Levine. From March 28, 1981.
Starring Kristine Opolais, Roberto Alagna, Massimo Cavalletti and Brindley Sherratt, conducted by Fabio Luisi. From March 5, 2016.
The days are getting shorter, but you can keep the prattle going this fall’s Talk of the Town! You will, you can, you must join in the discussion about: Great mezzo soprano performances (October),
Gained in translation (November), Teleport me back to… (December).
Exclusive opera reviews, commentary, and top reads
delivered to your email weekly…ish.
