Happy 157th birthday Giacomo Puccini!  

(The cher public are encouraged to share favorite Puccini videos and anecdotes on this happy day.)

Born on this day in 1883 composer Edgard Varèse

Born on this day in 1885 composer and critic Deems Taylor

Born on this day in 1903 mezzo-soprano Rosette Anday

Born on this day in 1916 bass Fernando Corena

Born on this day in 1921 composer Robert Kurka

Happy 61st birthday mezzo-soprano Jean Rigby