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.
Andreas Schager and Anja Kampe in a production from the Staatsoper Berlin.
A sparkling performance of Rossini’s La Cenerentola from 1976 featuring the scintillating conducting of Claudio Abbado and Lucia Valentini-Terrani in the title role.
Yet another opera company joins the free streaming trend: the Staatsoper Unter den Linden.
On this day in 1951 soprano Victoria de los Angeles made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Marguerite.
In place of the opening night of the Met’s revival of the Massenet opera, La Cieca invites you to listen to live recording from the archives of Trove Thursday.
Monday afternoon’s Opera in Exile selection is Falstaff from the Vienna State Opera.
On this day in 1991 soprano Renée Fleming made her Metropolitan Opera stage debut as Countess Almaviva.
Kicking off Der Ring des Nibelungen from the Vienna State Opera.
A change of pace this afternoon: Joyce DiDonato and Piotr Beczala sing excerpts from Werther.
Opera in Exile offers Così fan tutte with Pilar Lorengar, Josephine Veasey, Lucia Popp, Luigi Alva and Kieth Engen with Georg Solti conducting.
No one ever leaves a star. That’s what makes one a star.
In lieu of a live broadcast, the Met offers a recording of the March 10, 2020 performance.
While most opera houses remain closed, La Cieca suggests the cher public assemble at our virtual opera house to enjoy a series of performances shared here on parterre box.
On this day in 1973 film and nightclub diva Debbie Reynolds made her Broadway debut in the title role of Irene.
The Metropolitan Opera and other venues have announced they will cancel performances as a precautionary measure against COVID-19.
It’s time for New York City to close down large-scale public gatherings, including Broadway theater and opera.
Live from the Finnish National Opera!
La Cieca hears that the Met is actively searching for sopranos available to sing Tosca on Anna Netrebko‘s scheduled dates staring March 26.
Los Angeles Opera has released the results of its investigation into Plácido Domingo.
La Cieca hears that the centerpiece of the 2021 Salzburg Easter Festival will be a new production of Turandot conducted by Christian Thielemann (not pictured) .
On this day in 1976 mezzo-soprano Tatiana Troyanos made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Octavian.
Verdi’s Sturm und Drang opera, live from the Bayerische Staatsoper.
A Saturday afternoon iteration of this season’s ubiquitous revival.
Tell us: What’s your favorite Verdi performance?
Hasten thee to feed another quarter of conversation for The Talk of the Town!
