Recent Stories
Tales of the Bavarian baloney pony
In November, everyone wanted to hear more about Jonas Kaufmann‘s Johnson.
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…
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.
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
Starting tonight at 7:25, the Met’s “tab” version of The Magic Flute.
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
“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
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
On this day in 1990 Lella Cuberli made her Metropolitan Opera debut in the title role of Semiramide.
Neapolitan
Born on this day in 1797 composer Gaetano Donizetti.
Back street love affairs burst into flame behind closed doors
Born on this day in 1923 actress Gloria Grahame.
Medium cool
Nico Muhly has set himself the task of presenting Winston Graham’s elusive heroine Marnie on the operatic stage.
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
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”
Happy 63rd birthday cartoonist Roz Chast.
Carol Neblett 1946-2017
The New York City Opera is reporting the death of American soprano Carol Neblett.
Broadcast: Les Troyens
Joyce DiDonato, Michael Spyres and Marie-Nicole Lemieux head a cast conducted by John Nelson of Berlioz’ epic.
Quarrel about what
Born on this day in 1896 composer Virgil Thomson.
Broadcast: Requiem
Starting at 7:55 PM, a broadcast of the first Verdi Requiem of the season, live from the Met.
Freaky Friday
Your doyenne La Cieca (pictured, obviously) invites you to join her for a special holiday weekend treat this afternoon.
How to sing
Born on this day in 1848 soprano Lilli Lehmann.