Broadcast: Tosca
The final Met broadcast of 2017, the premiere of a new production of Tosca, begins at 6:25 PM.
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.
Broadcast: The Merry Widow
Bonus points to the first commenter who can explain why the foundation garment worn in the above photo has the same name as today’s opera.
Little black dress
Sonya Yoncheva, décolletée, sings “Vissi d’arte.”
Sommo giubilo, Eccellenza!
Peter Gelb announces that the Met will return its 1980s glory days as a hideously overpriced theme park and David McVicar whinges about literally everything.
Broadcast: Hansel and Gretel
Starting at 7:30, cher public, the Met broadcast of Hansel and Gretel featuring Lisette Oropesa.
Three’s company
Join La Cieca for Puccini’s Il trittico from the Bayerische Staatsoper, webcast at 1:00 PM today.
“You just want to kiss yourself, you sound so great”
“Are you kidding? I’m having it put in my casket.”
As if they never said goodbye
Handsome singing by Roberto Alagna and extremely heavy makeup on Barbara Frittoli highlight these excerpts from Adriana Lecouvreur in Monte Carlo.
Broadcast: Norma
This afternoon’s Met broadcast (starting at 1:00 PM) is Bellini’s Norma.
All in the family
Here’s a project apparently nobody has thought of and it’s a sure winner: Semiramide with Cecilia Bartoli and Franco Fagioli.
Afterlife
The Bayerische Staatsoper, purveyor of fascinating video opera, continues to innovate.
Broadcast: The Merry Widow
Sassy Susan Graham is Hanna Glawari tonight at the Met, broadcast starting at 7:30 PM.
Declining
Mr. Plummer is very wise and La Cieca intends (in a general sense) to continue to follow his example.
È caduta l’altra scarpia
“Sir Bryn Terfel has had to withdraw from the Met’s new production of Puccini’s Tosca as he takes enforced rest due to vocal fatigue.”
Webcast: La Bohème
Join La Cieca at the final frontier of Claus Guth‘s controversial new production of La Bohème, webcast at 1:30 PM today.
E qui la luna l’abbiamo vicina
“Puccini’s operas seldom take well to abstraction, since the composer engraved every detail of what should happen into the score so specifically that there was little wiggle room left.”
Broadcast: The Richard Tucker Gala
Starting at 6:00 PM, a live broadcast of this year’s Richard Tucker festivities.
Broadcast: Magic Flute
It’s the mini-version of Flute this afternoon, starting at 12:30 PM.
Broadcast: Andrea Chenier
Opening night of the 2017 La Scala season features Andrea Chenier starring Yusif Eyvazov, Anna Netrebko and Luca Salsi.
Broadcast: Requiem
The Met’s 2017-2018 Saturday afternoon broadcast season begins today at 1:00 PM.
Tales of the Bavarian baloney pony
In November, everyone wanted to hear more about Jonas Kaufmann‘s Johnson.
And now a word…
One of parterre’s most faithful sponsors begins a campaign today highlighting programs by the world’s greatest singers: let’s hear it for Carnegie Hall!
“The world is a better place when we think beyond ourselves”
Today is World AIDS Day.
Broadcast: The Magic Flute
Starting tonight at 7:25, the Met’s “tab” version of The Magic Flute.