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.
On this day in 1979 the Metropolitan Opera presented a revival of Elektra that failed to live up to former glories.
On this day in 1969, the Metropolitan Opera opened its season, delayed more than three months due to prolonged labor-management negotiations.
Happy 41st birthday soprano Sonya Yoncheva.
Today’s abridged performance begins an hour early.
Coming soon: an opera adaptation of the cult film Plan 9 from Outer Space.
Mezzo Anita Rachvelishvili has canceled all her remaining Met performances of Aida due to illness.
If you already know the answer to this one, keep it under your hat!
A live performance from the Vienna State Opera featuring Michael Volle, Georg Zeppenfeld, Wolfgang Koch, David Butt Philip and Hanna-Elisabeth Müller, conducted by Philippe Jordan.
Premiere of a new production from the Bayreische Staatsoper.
Of course the Met premiere of The Hours grabbed most of the attention last month!
Rossini’s comic opera, recorded November 16 at the Theater an der Wien.
A recording of a live performance of Wagner’s music drama from Seattle Opera.
On this day in 1949 the Metropolitan Opera opened their season with a televised(!) performance of Der Rosenkavalier.
Tomasz Konieczny plays the title character, a goldsmith who is possessed by his jewelry, in a live videocast of Paul Hindemith’s opera.
Catherine Foster is Brünnhilde in a performance conducted by Marek Janowski.
On this day in 1952, the Metropolitan Opera opened its season with a new production of La forza del destino.
Tell us: What was the best of 2025?
Parterre Box concludes the thrilling first year of Talk of the Town by inviting your lightning rod opinions on several more categories of operatic argumentation.
