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.
Live today from Aix-en-Provence, starting at 4:00 PM EDT.
And here, queen that she is, La Cieca thought she knew everything there was to know about the quintessential coming out film Now, Voyager.
![[Insert joke here]](https://parterre.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/christine-large.jpg)
La Cieca will leave this one as an exercise for the reader.
Wikipedia entry on Don Giovanni or “Previously, on Dynasty?” You be the judge.
For your Sunday viewing and discussion, cher public: Parsifal from the Bayerische Staatsoper.
Let’s have a round of applause for our advertisers this month!
Majestic Magda Olivero is heard in one her her high-voltage signature roles, Giordano’s Fedora.
Roberto Alagna withdrew yesterday from the Bayreuth production of Lohengrin.
Put down the potion, Norman.
At long last (and about fucking time) undisputed genius Stefan Herheim will make his Metropolitan Opera debut, staging Les Vêpres siciliennes.
“Apparently, age is a touchy subject for some aging divas.”
Congratulations to Christian Ocier (not pictured) who guessed all 16 of our mystery Salomes correctly!
It seems everyone is raving over Calixto Bieito‘s production of L’incoronazione di Poppea at Opernhaus Zürich.
The Royal Opera House’s production of La bohéme (featuring Matthew Polenzani as Rodolfo) goes live on YouTube at 2:15 this afternoon.
Anna Netrebko is Maria Callas in Terrence McNally‘s Master Class!
The luminous Gundula Janowitz makes a rare if not downright unique appearance as Elisabeth in Wagner’s Tannhäuser on today’s episode of parterre saturday afternoon.
A privileged white male critic for the Wall Street Journal accomplished quite a hat trick earlier this week.
When Adonis Calls is “the story of an accomplished author struggling with writer’s block who is contacted by an eager young fan interested in both an artistic and personal correspondence.”
Live from Sussex, it’s Madama Butterfly!
A challenging Salome-themed vocal identification quiz arranged by Our Own Christopher Corwin.
Born on this day in 1819 composer Jacques Offenbach.
“Based on two Noh plays, the hypnotic work creates a shimmering world of supernatural encounters…”
The frequently-omniscient Future Met Wiki has recently vouchsafed a few morsels about upcoming Met seasons.
“James Levine is trying to discredit one of his alleged victims by dredging up a ‘love’ letter his teen accuser once wrote to him.”
Tell us: What’s your favorite Verdi performance?
Hasten thee to feed another quarter of conversation for The Talk of the Town!
