Burning and bitter beauty Burning and bitter beauty

On this day in 1927 the Metropolitan Opera opened its 1927 season with a revival of Turandot featuring Maria Jeritza and Giacomo Lauri-Volpi.

By October 31, 2022 at 1:09 AM
83 comments
Everybody loves to break a bough Everybody loves to break a bough

We owe director John Doyle and Classic Stage Company a debt of gratitude for bringing Blitzstein’s The Cradle Will Rock—warts and all—to the stage.

By April 03, 2019 at 9:00 PM
1 comment
What’s at stake for a soul on fire? What’s at stake for a soul on fire?

Norman Dello Joio, who was knocking about winning prizes for film and TV scores, composed The Trial at Rouen, his second opera on the subject, for NBC.

By December 06, 2017 at 8:00 AM
7 comments
Maralin Niska 1926-2016 Maralin Niska 1926-2016

Soprano Maralin Niska, a mainstay of New York City Opera and America’s regional opera companies from the 1960s through the 1980s, died at her home in Santa Fe yesterday.

By July 10, 2016 at 2:25 PM
41 comments
Four conversations are three too many Four conversations are three too many

Which diva gets to sing “I hope you die!  I hope you die soon!  I’ll be waiting for you to die!”

By April 25, 2016 at 9:00 AM
35 comments
a solo from the chorus

La Cieca received this letter yesterday. If you have reviews, opinion pieces, appreciations, or (as in this case) a Letter to the Doyenne, please email to [email protected].  Saving New York City Opera?

By May 13, 2009 at 10:14 AM
71 comments