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.
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A detailed and persuasive review by Christian Ocier was the most popular post on parterre box for the month of June.
The live telecast from the Glyndebourne Festival has just started!
La Cieca hears that for the first time in recorded history, the Metropolitan Opera will have an official presence in the Pride March this Sunday.
The Royal Opera Covent Garden is getting into the act with a star-studded revival of Cats featuring Sir Bryn Terfel (pictured) as “Old Deuteronomy.”
“For five years, concert pianist Theo Mangrove has been living at his family’s home in East Kill, New York, recovering from a nervous breakdown that derailed his career.”
This is just plain depressing.
Noted method actress Reneé Fleming is caught up the glamour and footlights of it all.
“I have been looking for a hydrangea print for years,” she told reporters.
Live from the Zurich Opera, a new production of Verdi’s Biblical melodrama. The telecast begins at 1:00 PM.
From Twitter.
Anna Caterina Antonacci headlines the New York City Opera’s 2019-2020 season with a one night only concert performance of Britten’s Gloriana.
“Darn, it sure is hot in New Mexico.”
Michael Fabiano sits down with Matt Baume on The Sewers of Paris podcast.
Madonna‘s dream of singing at La Scala has been dashed!
The opening night of a new production of Verdi’s opera (plus Lisette Oropesa‘s La Scala debut!) will be broadcast live starting at 2:00 PM.
The legendary opera and film director has died. He was 96.
“Artists must at least be tethered to some amount of demonstrable empathy lest they risk the perception of solipsism.”
“Short but straight backed, with broad shoulders and a broad smile, and equipped with marble arms whose contours are visible through his tailored black shirt, he communicates flexibility and easy control.”
Born on this day in 1891 composer Cole Porter.
A performance from the Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona
The Met press office has just confirmed that the company’s 2020 revival of La Damnation de Faust has been converted into four concert performances January 25 – February 8.
Friend, Romans and Rosa Feola fans, presenting your top ten parterre box posts for the lusty month of May!
Tell us: What’s your favorite Verdi performance?
Hasten thee to feed another quarter of conversation for The Talk of the Town!
