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.
The future Mrs. Yusif Eyvazov sings Il trovatore in 2015.
Diana Damrau returns as Violetta for the Met’s broadcast.
Anna boldly leaps forward into her most dramatic role yet: Lady Macbeth at the Bayerische Staatsoper in 2014.
Role debut as Tatyana in Eugene Onegin, 2013.
Tenor Stephen Costello will sing the role of Alfredo in Verdi’s La Traviata at the Metropolitan Opera on Wednesday, December 26, replacing Juan Diego Flórez, who is ill.
Kristin Lewis, making her Met debut, will sing the title role in Verdi’s Aida, replacing Sondra Radvanovsky, who has withdrawn for personal reasons.
(The Board threatened to beat Peter Gelb to death with their lorgnettes or something.)
In 2011, Anna Netrebko headlined new productions of Anna Bolena in Vienna and New York.
The Met falls back to October for a pre-recorded broadcast of La fanciulla del West this afternoon at 1:00 PM.
After a blizzard strands Renée Fleming in New York City, Anna Netrebko jumps in as star attraction at the Dresden Semperoper’s New Year’s Eve concert in 2010.
“We’ve realized that, actually, the status quo is not an option if we want to survive, let alone thrive.”
Anna trills herself to death in Les Contes d’Hoffmann, 2009.
A scene from a 2008 film of La bohéme, starring Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazón.
Hear and discuss the condensed-for-kids version tonight at 7:30.
Anna Netrebko opens the 2007-2008 season of The Met: Live in HD in Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette.
“New York City Opera will present, in a rare New York appearance, beloved soprano Aprile Millo in concert.”
An interview during rehearsals for Le nozze di Figaro at the Salzburg Festival, 2006.
“This guy stood up and asked the diva what it felt like getting trapped inside the stage pyramid during the Met’s premiere of Antony and Cleopatra.”
“Give the gift of Renée!”
Norman Lebrecht is repeating gossip Conrad Osborne heard from Stephen Blier.
The legendary 2005 Willy Decker production of La traviata at the Salzburg Festival.
Joining Anna Netrebko in this 2004 performance of the first act duet from Lucia di Lammermoor is tenor Marcelo Álvarez.
La Cieca invites the cher public (not pictured) to hear and discuss this afternoon’s broadcast of La traviata from the Met.
Anna Netrebko sings the first movement of Gliere’s Concerto for Coloratura Soprano and Orchestra in 2003.
Tell us: What’s your favorite Verdi performance?
Hasten thee to feed another quarter of conversation for The Talk of the Town!
