Questo e Quello

“Norma,” bis “Norma,” bis

Sir David McVicar’s inept and dreary new production of Bellini’s Norma proved to be more satisfying than it had been on opening night when it returned to the Met Friday evening thanks to its new leading ladies Angela Meade and Jamie Barton

Could stop singing Could stop singing

Born on this day in 1921 actress and singer Deanna Durbin.

An hour of pomp and show An hour of pomp and show

On this day in 1953 the Wright-Forrest-Borodin musical Kismet opened at the Ziegfeld Theatre, to run 583 performances.

Broadcast: Requiem Broadcast: Requiem

The Met’s 2017-2018 Saturday afternoon broadcast season begins today at 1:00 PM.

Athánati Athánati

Born on this day in 1923.

Tales of the Bavarian baloney pony Tales of the Bavarian baloney pony

In November, everyone wanted to hear more about Jonas Kaufmann‘s Johnson.

Word problem Word problem

I’ve been picking away yet again at the mysterious symbiosis between an opera’s words and its music.

And now a word… 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” “The world is a better place when we think beyond ourselves”

Today is World AIDS Day.

Miss De La Hoya of petty cash Miss De La Hoya of petty cash

On this day in 1968 the Burt Bacharach / Hal David / Neil Simon musical Promises Promises opened on at the Shubert Theatre, to run 1,281 performances.

Broadcast: The Magic Flute Broadcast: The Magic Flute

Starting tonight at 7:25, the Met’s “tab” version of The Magic Flute.

What women want What women want

Psychology is encoded in the composer’s vocal lines more than his librettist’s words.

Yes, Virginia, there is an opera named after you Yes, Virginia, there is an opera named after you

“Trove Thursday” presents Virginia by Saviero Mercadante starring the Met’s next errant Druid priestess Angela Meade, who has become one of today’s more controversial—even divisive—sopranos.

Gold rush Gold rush

In celebration of the remarkable career of Carol Neblett, our friends at Opera Depot are offering free download featuring the soprano in one of her greatest roles.

Dolce pensiero Dolce pensiero

On this day in 1990 Lella Cuberli made her Metropolitan Opera debut in the title role of Semiramide.

Neapolitan Neapolitan

Born on this day in 1797 composer Gaetano Donizetti.

Back street love affairs burst into flame behind closed doors Back street love affairs burst into flame behind closed doors

Born on this day in 1923 actress Gloria Grahame.

Medium cool Medium cool

Nico Muhly has set himself the task of presenting Winston Graham’s elusive heroine Marnie on the operatic stage.

Black Friday Black Friday

Usually the longer I know a work the more I look forward to rediscovering it, but that’s just not the case with the Verdi Requiem.

Futurama Futurama

La Cieca invites you to peruse some of the remarkable deals in electronics, books, DVDs, computers and cell phones available at Amazon.com.

“I don’t think you need to have a difficult childhood to be funny, but it helps” “I don’t think you need to have a difficult childhood to be funny, but it helps”

Happy 63rd birthday cartoonist Roz Chast.

Carol Neblett 1946-2017 Carol Neblett 1946-2017

The New York City Opera is reporting the death of American soprano Carol Neblett.

Broadcast: Les Troyens Broadcast: Les Troyens

Joyce DiDonato, Michael Spyres and Marie-Nicole Lemieux head a cast conducted by John Nelson of Berlioz’ epic.

Quarrel about what Quarrel about what

Born on this day in 1896 composer Virgil Thomson.