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.
La Cieca has obtained a letter from the Met’s Assistant General Manager, Artistic informing artists arriving in New York from certain high-risk areas they are subject to a two-week quarantine before rehearsing or performing.
Wagner’s early masterpiece returns to the Met conducted by Valery Gergiev (not pictured).
Our thanks to our darling parterre box advertisers, without whom La Cieca and the gang would be at a loss for words!
La Cieca is shocked, shocked to report that…
Leading the parterre box top ten for the month of February: a new season and the (apparent) end of a legendary career.
The 2020 finalists perform on the Met stage this afternoon for an audience of judges, agents, industry leaders, and the general public.
Christine Goerke‘s Bayreuth debut has been canceled.
Now! Starting! Opera!
“I accept full responsibility for my actions, and I have grown from this experience.”
Believe it or not, it’s the final Nozze of the Met’s 2019-2020 season.
“American soprano Renée Fleming, one of the most beloved and celebrated singers of our time, is donating her personal archives to Juilliard, her alma mater.”
Sorry for the late start, cher public!
New productions of Aida, Die Zauberflöte, and Don Giovanni and Met premieres of The Fiery Angel and Dead Man Walking headline the Metropolitan Opera’s 2020–21 season.
Live video of Anna Netrebko and Yusif Eyvazov in the riddle scene from Turandot, as seen and heard recently in Munich.
Amanda Woodbury jumps in as the Countess in tonight’s broadcast.
Renée Fleming—stylish dame with a stylish name—who lived by jungle law in a big city and clawed her way to where the money was…
The beloved lyric soprano has died, according to press reports.
One final hearing of the Berlioz this afternoon.
“Evgeny Nikitin will sing the Dutchman in all performances of the Met’s new production of Wagner’s Der Fliegende Holländer, replacing Sir Bryn Terfel, who withdraw last week due to ankle surgery.”
Tell us: What’s your favorite Verdi performance?
Hasten thee to feed another quarter of conversation for The Talk of the Town!
