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.
On this day in 1979 the Metropolitan Opera presented a revival of Elektra that failed to live up to former glories.
By La Cieca
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From Detroit Opera, divas Angel Blue and Christine Goerke make role debuts, respectively as Aida and Amneris.
By La Cieca
On this day in 1969, the Metropolitan Opera opened its season, delayed more than three months due to prolonged labor-management negotiations.
By La Cieca
Today’s abridged performance begins an hour early.
By La Cieca
Coming soon: an opera adaptation of the cult film Plan 9 from Outer Space.
By La Cieca
Michelle Bradley takes the title role in this live performance from the Met.
By La Cieca
Mezzo Anita Rachvelishvili has canceled all her remaining Met performances of Aida due to illness.
By La Cieca
Luca Salsi, Lisette Oropesa and Stephen Costello star in this live broadcast.
By La Cieca
If you already know the answer to this one, keep it under your hat!
By La Cieca
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.
By La Cieca
The opening of the Metropolitan Opera Saturday Broadcast season.
By La Cieca
Premiere of a new production from the Bayreische Staatsoper.
By La Cieca
Soprano Latonia Moore stars as the Ethiopian princess torn between love and country in Verdi’s grand Egyptian epic.
By La Cieca
Of course the Met premiere of The Hours grabbed most of the attention last month!
By La Cieca
Rossini’s comic opera, recorded November 16 at the Theater an der Wien.
By La Cieca
The world premiere of Kevin Puts‘ new opera opens at the Met tonight.
By La Cieca
A recording of a live performance of Wagner’s music drama from Seattle Opera.
By La Cieca
On this day in 1949 the Metropolitan Opera opened their season with a televised(!) performance of Der Rosenkavalier.
By La Cieca
Two artists make notable Met debuts: Benjamin Bernheim as the Duke of Mantua, and Maestro Speranza Scappucci on the podium.
By La Cieca
Tomasz Konieczny plays the title character, a goldsmith who is possessed by his jewelry, in a live videocast of Paul Hindemith’s opera.
By La Cieca
Catherine Foster is Brünnhilde in a performance conducted by Marek Janowski.
By La Cieca
On this day in 1952, the Metropolitan Opera opened its season with a new production of La forza del destino.
By La Cieca
Latonia Moore, Melody Moore, Russell Thomas and George Gagnidze lead the cast in this performance from Los Angeles Opera.
By La Cieca
