Parterre Box founder and opera critic James Jorden has died.

The opera industry blog announced the news stating, “Details about a memorial will be announced in due course, but in the meantime, members of cher public are invited to share memories of James in the comments.”

Jorden, who was born in 1954, spent over 20 years as an opera critic for the New York Times, Opera, Gay City News, Opera Now, Musical America, and the New York Post.

He was also a voice in punditry on National Public Radio as well as an opera director. He was also the co-creator, writer, and occasional wig stylist for “The Dozen Divas.” Jorden also served as a commentator on the WQXR program Operavore and was a journalist for the New York Observer.

In 2018, the New York Times profiled Jorden about Parterre which was then celebrating its 25 years, calling it “the most essential blog in opera.”