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.
Today’s conversation piece from Bayreuth: a revival of Tristan und Isolde with Stephen Gould and Petra Lang conducted by Christian Thielemann.
The cher public are invited to hear and comment upon the opening performance of the 2017 Bayreuth Festspiele, featuring a new production of Meistersinger directed by Barrie Kosky. Broadcasts from various sources begin between 9:45 and 10:00 AM EDT. (These daytime Bayreuth listening parties continue into next week.)
Placido Domingo, who, in 20 years of trying, has never yet got either the words or the rhythms right in the role of Siegmund, has been announced to conduct Die Walküre at Bayreuth next season.
As if to usher in next week’s daily broadcasts from Bayreuth, this afternoon offers a choice between two Wagner operas: Lohengrin from the Vienna State Opera and Tannhäuser from Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Congratulations to our friends at the Bayerische Staatsoper for their successful application to real-time opera performances of face-swapping software!
Mariusz Kwiecien heads the cast of Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Don Giovanni, starting at 1:00 PM today.
Lise Lindstrom and Roberto Alagna (not pictured) head the cast of the Royal Opera House’s Turandot.
The gala New Year’s Eve Tosca at the Met next season is going to be conducted by that hot young talent James Levine.
Congratulations to dramatic coloratura soprano Klára Kolonits.
Wagner’s Tannhäuser in a controversial new production by Romeo Castellucci.
When did he get to be a spinto? When did he grow to be so tall?
“City Opera invites you, our fans, to march with the artists who create the operas you love.”
Summertime, and the canto is bel from Lyric Opera of Chicago, starting at 1:00 PM EDT.
What the hell is Three Way doing on a list of 7 American Operas That Put LGBTQ Issues Center Stage?
A telecast from the Norske Opera of Puccini’s Tosca, directed by Calixto Bieito.
Not only is Anna Netrebko great, I am beginning to think there was never anyone greater.
Following the jump, the latest kvetch from joyless Norman Lebrecht.
he listening and the commenting on this Lyric Opera of Chicago broadcast begin at 1:00 pm today.
Sonya Yoncheva will make her role debut in the Met’s new production of Puccini’s Tosca next season replacing Kristine Opolais.
The American musicologist died earlier today in Chicago.
The important thing to remember about Druids is that they don’t follow fashion very much.
This afternoon’s discussion centers around Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Don Quichotte, broadcast at 1:00 PM.
La Cieca (not pictured) assumes the cher public will be here for the duration of Les Troyens from Lyric Opera of Chicago starting this afternoon at 1:00 PM. (Photo: Todd Rosenberg)
Tell us: What’s your favorite Verdi performance?
Hasten thee to feed another quarter of conversation for The Talk of the Town!
