Broadcast: Rusalka
Tonight’s prima of Rusalka at the Met will be broadcast (and, La Cieca trusts, discussed) starting at 7:55 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.
Pyramid scheme
Isn’t it inspiring how deeply Francesca Zambello has sunk her tentacles into the heart of American opera?
Wooden soldiers
Babes in Toyland will feature Kelli O’Hara, Bill Irwin, Lauren Worsham, Christopher Fitzgerald, Drew Barrymore, Keanu Reeves, Noriyuki ‘Pat’ Morita.…
“What do you mean it’s not a lookalike contest?”
“If you think this is good, wait until you see me as Shirley Bassey!” Barton added.
Mezz appeal
Mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton has been named the winner of the 12th annual Beverly Sills Artist Award for young singers at the Metropolitan Opera.
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame
“Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand / A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame / Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name / Mother of Exiles…”
La calunnia è un Wendy aftershow
The ubiquitous Pretty Yende headlines this afternoon’s broadcast of Il barbiere di Siviglia from the Met. Discuss!
Public enemy
Mary Zimmerman explains (more or less) “what’s wrong with opera audiences?”
Start the revolution with me
La Scala’s 2017-2018 season will open with a new production of Andrea Chenier starring Anna Netrebko and Yusif Eyvazov.
Verse le poisson dans son sein!
Okay, it’s only a couple of preview clips, but La Cieca has to say she’s bewildered by what seems to be some cross-repertoire meta-direction at the Met, especially as concerns Kristine Opolais (not pictured).
Yes, with one look I put words to shame
They’ll say, “Norman’s back at last!”
Broadcast: Rigoletto
For your listening and discussing enjoyment, cher public, Rigoletto from the Met tonight at 7:25 pm.
All’s for the worst in this worst of all possible worlds!
Two “major” US companies will present in 2017-2018 what La Cieca cannot help but regard as the worst possible combination of director and material.
Broadcast: Roméo et Juliette
Here’s where you can discuss this afternoon’s performance of the Gounod tuner starting at 1:00 PM.
Hillary speaks!
Glenn Roven‘s concert piece based on two of Hillary Clinton’s speeches and sung by everyone you ever heard of will premiere at noon today.
And see if I can be rebirthed next Thursday afternoon
Anna Netrebko has become Edina Monsoon.
A point upon a map of fog
San Francisco Opera in 2017-2018 presents the Ring cycle, a new John Adams/Peter Sellars collaboration called Girls of the Golden West, plus new productions of Elektra (Christine Goerke, Stephanie Blythe, Adrianne Pieczonka) and Manon (Nadine Sierra, Michael Fabiano.)
Met’s loss is our Margaine
“Clémentine Margaine will make her Met debut in the title role of Bizet’s Carmen this Thursday, January 19.”
It has become that time of morning
Renée Fleming doesn’t sound Southern. In fact, she doesn’t even sound Earthian.
Not since the Zodiac Killer…
“Marlis Petersen, in her first shot at the role, is as complete a video Violetta as Rosanna Carteri, Marie McLaughlin or the young Angela Gheorghiu, and as riveting as Teresa Stratas or Anna Netrebko.”
Chat: La bohème
The Met’s final performance of La bohème this season is today’s Saturday afternoon broadcast.
Caved
The Met has canceled its new production of La forza del destino, which was to have been directed by Calixto Bieito.
Deplorable disc
Norman Lebrecht is a bloody-minded crank, but, honestly, some of the commenters on his site make him seem the reincarnation of Mother Teresa.
“Anne, my dear, your advice is needed in the kitchen”
From Operabase.