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.
Listen and discuss, cher public, beginning at 12:55 PM. Photo: Marty Sohl/The Metropolitan Opera
The Metropolitan Opera announced today that longtime [almost 40 years!] Artistic Administrator Jonathan Friend will be stepping down from his position following the end of the 2019–20 season.
Opera San Antonio’s Board of Directors has announced E. Loren Meeker as General and Artistic Director.
Christine Goerke and Stephen Gould sing the second act of Wagner’s masterpiece under the baton of Gianandrea Noseda.
Dame Judi Dench! Anna Netrebko! Anne Midgette! Need I say more?
Born on this day in 1939 soprano Lucia Popp.
Yes, this is the image Lyric Opera of Chicago has chosen to promote its upcoming performances of Der Ring des Nibelungen on social media.
“Etienne Dupuis will sing the Count in the February 5, 8, and 11 performances of Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, replacing Mariusz Kwiecien.“
“Asked to Perform Naked, This Is How One Star Got in Shape—Fast”
On this day in 1995 Terrence McNally‘s play Master Class opened on Broadway at the Golden Theatre, to run 598 performances.
Gluck’s masterpiece returns to the streamwaves tonight for your listening and chatting pleasure.
Let’s hear a resounding round of applause for parterre box‘s advertisers for the month of November:
Sadly, the news of the passing of two beloved artists provided much of the traffic on parterre box last month.
“Tony could only sing one note and the note he sang was this…”
Of more than 13,000 tickets to the ROH’s Fidelio starring Jonas Kaufmann, only “hundreds” will be made available to the public.
She’s traveled the world from Moscow to Minsk.
With all the greatest respect for Jessye Norman as an artist, I do wish people would stop quoting her vain and defensive statements about critics as if she were some kind of oracle.
Jonas Kaufmann is among the top talent gathered for a program offering hands-on experience in the discipline of your choice.
Ildar Abdrazakov has had to withdraw from LOC’s Don Giovanni.
On this day in 1991 soprano Deborah Voigt made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Amelia.
Tell us: What’s your favorite Verdi performance?
Hasten thee to feed another quarter of conversation for The Talk of the Town!
