La Cieca
James Jorden (who writes under the names "La Cieca" and "Our Own JJ") is the founder and editor of parterre box. During his 20 year career as an opera critic he has written for the New York Times, Opera, Gay City News, Opera Now, Musical America and the New York Post. He has also raised his voice in punditry on National Public Radio. From time to time he has directed opera, including three unsuccessful productions of Don Giovanni, a work he hopes to return to someday. Currently he alternates his doyenne duties with writing a weekly column on opera for the New York Observer.
Historic moments from the 1930s and early 40s featuring stars such as Kirsten Flagstad, Lily Pons, Rosa Ponselle, Bidù Sayão, Jussi Bjoerling, Lauritz Melchior, Lawrence Tibbett, Leonard Warren, and Ezio Pinza
By La Cieca
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On this day in 1959 soprano Leonie Rysanek made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Lady Macbeth.
By La Cieca
“It was all surprisingly good? Even the Party Pork, which has you marinate a piece of pork neck in vermouth and steak seasoning. It shouldn’t work, and yet it did.”
By La Cieca
In honor of Black History Month, the Met rebroadcasts a 1984 performance.
By La Cieca
San Francisco Opera prepares to barge down the Nile.
By La Cieca
Signs of new life at the Met caught the attention of parterrians in January.
By La Cieca
“The design of the Met’s new production [of Lucia di Lammermoor] by Simon Stone suggests a present-day American Rust Belt, an area once prosperous but now fallen into decline and neglect.”
By La Cieca
Jonas Kaufmann in the title role, with Lise Davidsen and Bryn Terfel from the Vienna State Opera.
By La Cieca
Kristine Opolais, Jonathan Tetelman and Gábor Bretz star in a live telecast from the Theater an der Wien.
By La Cieca
Jamie Barton will sing Eboli in the Met’s new production of the original five-act French version of Verdi’s Don Carlos, replacing Elina Garanca, who has withdrawn.
By La Cieca
From the Vienna State Opera, featuring Olga Borodina in the title role.
By La Cieca
Starring Maria Agresta as Mimì and Charles Castronovo as Rodolfo.
By La Cieca
“Meet our new chief conductor Lorenzo Viotti – Dutch National Opera”
By La Cieca
Which much-lauded gem of an American artist is about to emerge from retirement?
By La Cieca
Streaming and discussion begin at 6:55 PM. Photo: Ken Howard / Met Opera
By La Cieca
Yannick Nézet-Séguin; Will Liverman (Charles), Angel Blue (Destiny/Loneliness/Greta), Latonia Moore (Billie).
By La Cieca
Baritone Michael Chioldi jumps into the title role for tonight’s performance.
By La Cieca
For a number of reasons including a surge in COVID cases, PROTOTYPE Festival has canceled its Winter 2022 season.
By La Cieca
The abridged family version of the opera is heard again.
By La Cieca
A gala new production of Verdi’s opera, live from the Met.
By La Cieca
Live from the Vienna State Opera with Andreas Schager and Rachel Willis-Sorensen.
By La Cieca
Born on this day in 1936 actress and producer Mary Tyler Moore.
By La Cieca
