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.

Brute force Brute force

On this day in 1979 the Metropolitan Opera presented a revival of Elektra that failed to live up to former glories.

on January 02, 2023 at 6:00 AM
Aida Aida

From Detroit Opera, divas Angel Blue and Christine Goerke make role debuts, respectively as Aida and Amneris.

on December 30, 2022 at 3:44 PM
A victorious return A victorious return

On this day in 1969, the Metropolitan Opera opened its season, delayed more than three months due to prolonged labor-management negotiations.

on December 29, 2022 at 6:00 AM
Renegade princess Renegade princess

Happy 41st birthday soprano Sonya Yoncheva.

on December 25, 2022 at 1:31 PM
The Magic Flute The Magic Flute

Today’s abridged performance begins an hour early.

on December 24, 2022 at 9:26 AM
Can you prove that it didn’t happen? Can you prove that it didn’t happen?

Coming soon: an opera adaptation of the cult film Plan 9 from Outer Space.

on December 22, 2022 at 3:48 PM
Aida Aida

Michelle Bradley takes the title role in this live performance from the Met.

on December 21, 2022 at 3:17 PM
Rachvelishvili recedes! Rachvelishvili recedes!

Mezzo Anita Rachvelishvili has canceled all her remaining Met performances of Aida due to illness.

on December 17, 2022 at 1:56 PM
Rigoletto Rigoletto

Luca Salsi, Lisette Oropesa and Stephen Costello star in this live broadcast.

on December 17, 2022 at 8:20 AM
O mio pompino caro O mio pompino caro

If you already know the answer to this one, keep it under your hat!

on December 14, 2022 at 1:23 PM
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg

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.

on December 11, 2022 at 9:00 AM
The Hours The Hours

The opening of the Metropolitan Opera Saturday Broadcast season.

on December 10, 2022 at 11:00 AM
Lohengrin Lohengrin

Premiere of a new production from the Bayreische Staatsoper.

on December 03, 2022 at 9:00 AM
Aida Aida

Soprano Latonia Moore stars as the Ethiopian princess torn between love and country in Verdi’s grand Egyptian epic.

on December 02, 2022 at 4:50 PM
Yours, mine and ‘Hours’ Yours, mine and ‘Hours’

Of course the Met premiere of The Hours grabbed most of the attention last month!

on December 01, 2022 at 9:00 AM
La gazza ladra La gazza ladra

Rossini’s comic opera, recorded November 16 at the Theater an der Wien.

on November 26, 2022 at 11:00 AM
The Hours The Hours

The world premiere of Kevin Puts‘ new opera opens at the Met tonight.

on November 22, 2022 at 5:00 PM
Tristan und Isolde Tristan und Isolde

A recording of a live performance of Wagner’s music drama from Seattle Opera.

on November 19, 2022 at 10:36 AM
“A gay event” “A gay event”

On this day in 1949 the Metropolitan Opera opened their season with a televised(!) performance of Der Rosenkavalier.

on November 18, 2022 at 9:49 AM
Rigoletto Rigoletto

Two artists make notable Met debuts: Benjamin Bernheim as the Duke of Mantua, and Maestro Speranza Scappucci on the podium.

on November 17, 2022 at 5:00 PM
Cardillac Cardillac

Tomasz Konieczny plays the title character, a goldsmith who is possessed by his jewelry, in a live videocast of Paul Hindemith’s opera.

on November 13, 2022 at 11:05 AM
Die Walküre Die Walküre

Catherine Foster is Brünnhilde in a performance conducted by Marek Janowski.

on November 12, 2022 at 12:00 PM
Tender solicitude Tender solicitude

On this day in 1952, the Metropolitan Opera opened its season with a new production of La forza del destino.

on November 10, 2022 at 6:49 AM
Aida Aida

Latonia Moore, Melody Moore, Russell Thomas and George Gagnidze lead the cast in this performance from Los Angeles Opera.

on November 05, 2022 at 11:00 AM