Rebel heart
On this day in 1601, Robert, Earl of Essex, led a revolt in London against Queen Elizabeth.
Recent Stories
Rock-a-bye your baby with a pentatonic melody
It seems almost comical to think now but the designer-director Jean-Pierre Ponnelle, who died in 1988, was at one time considered the height of regie-theatre scandal.
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).
Primer time
On this day in 1973 “Schoolhouse Rock” premiered on ABC-TV.
The Fotheringay kerfuffle
This week, we return to the 1970s with a very special performance of Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda featuring the duelling queens of Beverly Sills and Pauline Tinsley.
Mattress of his domain
On this day in 1649, Francesco Cavalli’s Giasone premiered in Venice.
Isn’t it necromantic?
St. Paul’s Chapel is the perfect site for Saul, Handel’s finest dramatic oratorio.
Stock photo
On this day in 1865, the New York Stock Exchange opened its first permanent headquarters at 10-12 Broad near Wall Street in New York City.
Alla pompadour che s’appresta, meco, o schiava, assisterai!
Appearances to the contrary, La Cieca is not teasing when she invites the cher public (pictured) to enjoy discussion of off-topic and general interest subjects.
Un’areola amorosa
Finally La Cieca understands what tumblr is for: “Alice Coote and Boobs.”
A farewell to arbres
On this day in 1431 Joan of Arc was defeated by Bishop Pierre Cauchon.
Les pauvres gens peuvent-ils être heureux?
On this day in 1900, Gustave Charpentier’s opera Louise premiered in Paris.
Dawn approaches
On this day in 1801 the dwarf planet Ceres was discovered by Giuseppe Piazzi.
The year in Dawn
For my 2014 retrospective, I’ve chosen two shows from the past year that are returning in 2015 and that really shouldn’t be missed by NY-based-and-visiting parterriani.
The year in Corwin
New York City isn’t a bad place to live, operatically-speaking.
The year in Yohalem
My memory is fading but the events I recall most vividly of the last season seem largely to have been concert performances.
The year in Greg
I would love to contribute a top ten list but I didn’t even go to ten things this year.
People don’t do such things
On this day in 1902 American actress Tallulah Bankhead was born.
Notte d’orror!
On this day in 1809, it became illegal to wear masks at balls held within the City of Boston, as its citizens believed this practice was “detrimental to morals.”
The showgirl must go on
Last night’s complete concert version of Die Csárdásfürstin from Dresden is viewable, after the jump.
Ah, con tal morbo ogni speranza è morta
Ludovic Tézier is continuing to recover from an illness.
Fighting vainly the old Anouilh
On this day in 1170, Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, was assassinated inside Canterbury Cathedral by followers of King Henry II.
The brass menagerie
This week’s post is a bit of a departure for your Jungfer Marianne (pictured). It’s a New Year’s salute to all the broad and brassy dames, divas, and diseuses we have grown to love from the 1950s and 1960s. In a special collaboration with parterre.com, La Cieca, the grand doyenne of Parterre Box, and I […]