On this day in 1914 Victor Herbert’s Madeleine premiered at the Metropolitan Opera.  

Born on this day in 1732 playwright Pierre-Augustin Beaumarchais

Born on this day in 1746 patron, librettist and operatic inspiration Gustavus III

Born on this day in 1776 composer, writer and operatic inspiration E T A Hoffmann

Born on this day in 1891 bass-baritone Jaro Prohaska

Born on this day in 1905 mezzo-soprano Elena Nicolai

Born on this day in 1918 composer Gottfried von Einem

Born on this day in 1919 composer and conductor Leon Kirchner

Happy 85th birthday contralto Birgit Finnilä

Happy birthday to radio presenter (and mezzo-soprano) Naomi Lewin