Alea iacta est
On this day in 49 BC Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon, signaling the start of civil war.
Recent Stories
City of night
Krzysztof Warlikowski‘s controversial production of Don Giovanni at La Monnaie is now streaming online.
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).
Hands on
On this day in 2007, Apple Inc CEO Steve Jobs announced the iPhone.
Thanks a lot, but…
Jungfer Marianne Leitmetzerin (not pictured) congratulates Countervail for the best attempt at identifying the “Brass Divas.”
Scottish tragedy
On this day in 1735, the premiere performance of George Frideric Handel’s Ariodante was given at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.
The opposite sextoness
The San Francisco Opera has just done the big reveal for 2015-2016 and here’s what we have in store.
Rebel heart
On this day in 1601, Robert, Earl of Essex, led a revolt in London against Queen Elizabeth.
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.
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.
