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.
And now a word for our sponsors
La Cieca and the gang down at parterre box want to express our gratitude to our advertisers.
Eyes that see in the dark
A detailed and persuasive review by Christian Ocier was the most popular post on parterre box for the month of June.
Broadcast: Cendrillon
The live telecast from the Glyndebourne Festival has just started!
Opera, queens
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.
He’s a Cat who has lived many lives in succession
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.”
Peak gay achieved
“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.”
Ev’rything’s coming up Renée!
Noted method actress Reneé Fleming is caught up the glamour and footlights of it all.
Duvet sono
“I have been looking for a hydrangea print for years,” she told reporters.
Broadcast: Nabucco
Live from the Zurich Opera, a new production of Verdi’s Biblical melodrama. The telecast begins at 1:00 PM.
The queen is back
Anna Caterina Antonacci headlines the New York City Opera’s 2019-2020 season with a one night only concert performance of Britten’s Gloriana.
In the air tonight
Michael Fabiano sits down with Matt Baume on The Sewers of Paris podcast.
Bitch she’s loca
Madonna‘s dream of singing at La Scala has been dashed!
Broadcast: I Masnadieri
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.
Franco Zeffirelli 1923-2019
The legendary opera and film director has died. He was 96.
Photo finish
“Artists must at least be tethered to some amount of demonstrable empathy lest they risk the perception of solipsism.”
Pull quote
“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.”
What moments divine, what rapture serene
Born on this day in 1891 composer Cole Porter.
Broadcast: La Gioconda
A performance from the Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona
Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a Damnation
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.
Pubies come out first
Friend, Romans and Rosa Feola fans, presenting your top ten parterre box posts for the lusty month of May!
I’ll take the fall
The days are getting shorter, but you can keep the prattle going this fall’s Talk of the Town! You will, you can, you must join in the discussion about: Great mezzo soprano performances (October),
Gained in translation (November), Teleport me back to… (December).