The plans were on display
On this day in 1978 the first radio episode of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams was transmitted on BBC Radio 4.
Questo e Quello
Everyone else seems to like it
Don’t hold back, cher public, but join in this week’s discussion of off-topic and general interest subjects.
Mortal purpose
The advance publicity about Zhang Huan’s production of Handel’s luscious Semele currently having its US premiere at the Brooklyn Academy of Music prominently featured a provocative claim.
But why, Veda?
On this day in 1946 at the 18th Academy Awards, Joan Crawford was named “Best Actress” for her performance in Mildred Pierce.
Il me faut des géants!
Born on this day in 1619 Cyrano de Bergerac, French author and playwright.
Hustle & flu
Jonas Kaufmann has canceled his performance as Don José in Bizet’s Carmen this Saturday, March 7 matinee, as he is still ill with the flu and unable to travel to New York.
Floperetta
On this day in 1954 the musical The Girl in Pink Tights opened at the Mark Hellinger Theater.
They’re only in it for the do
What with all the interest in the recent Rome performances of Aïda (and in part, at least, in Anja Harteros‘s approach to the high C in the Nile aria), La Cieca thought it would be fun to hear how some divas of the past and present have coped with that very challenging phrase. And, just […]
There’s no place like home
On this day in 1913 Gabriel Fauré‘s opera Pénélope premiered in Monte Carlo.
Speak the speech
On this day in 1869, the Booth Theater at 23rd Street and Sixth Avenue in New York City opened with a gala performance of Romeo and Juliet.
Singing head
Howling in a language I don’t understand” is an expression that gets thrown around a lot these days.
Rome invasion
Given that Jonas Kaufmann just canceled half his Met season and Anja Harteros is, well, Anja Harteros, La Cieca thought it would be interesting for us hinterlanders to hear what this duo sounds like when both show up to sing.
And now a word…
La Cieca (not pictured) would like to take a moment to salute our advertisers, whose generosity—and savvy marketing skills—help bring parterre.com to you every day.
Auf Flu des Gesanges
“Jonas Kaufmann has canceled his performance as Don José in Bizet’s Carmen for this Wednesday, March 4, because he is suffering from the flu…”
Coming out
Christian Thielemann’s spirited, precise conducting and the superb, sumptuous playing of the Staatskapelle Dresden are the finest features of this strongly cast performance of Strauss’s Arabella.
My name is Barbiere
James Conlon, Music Director for the LA Opera, often does the pre-game lecture in the huge open space on the second floor lobby of the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion and it’s almost always a standing room only crowd.
Eternamente
“Go while the going is good. Knowing when to leave may be the smartest thing anyone can learn,” sings Fran in Promises, Promises, the 1968 Hal David/Burt Bacharach musical which apparently Edita Gruberová has never seen.
And then there were nuns
On this day in 1965 The Sound of Music, starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, was released.
Partial view
Even if La Cieca can’t see you, cher public, she can hear you as you discuss off-topic and general interest subjects.
No better friend, no worse enemy
On this day in 86 B.C., Lucius Cornelius Sulla, at the head of a Roman Republic army, entered Athens, removing the tyrant Aristion who was supported by troops of Mithridates VI of Pontus.
Scostatevi, profani!
Yet another new role for Anna Netrebko on the horizon: in a press conference yesterday in Mexico, the soprano announced she plans to sing Adriana Lecouvreur.
Don’t let it abide in my dreams
On this day in 1925, “Tea for Two” recorded by Marion Harris reached #1 on the Billboard chart.
The mighty Quinn
Baritone Quinn Kelsey has been named the recipient of the tenth annual Beverly Sills Artist Award for young singers at the Metropolitan Opera.
A feeling deep in your soul
On this day in 1974 the first issue of People magazine went on sale.
I’ll take the fall
The days are getting shorter, but you can keep the prattle going this fall’s Talk of the Town! You will, you can, you must join in the discussion about: Great mezzo soprano performances (October),
Gained in translation (November), Teleport me back to… (December).