On this day in 1824 Giacomo Meyerbeer’s opera Il Crociato in Egitto premiered in Venice. 

Born on this day in 1822 composer Victor Massé.

Born on this day in 1875 composer Maurice Ravel.

Happy 89th birthday tenor Robert Gard.

Happy 87th birthday baritone Claudio Nicolai.

Happy 85th birthday soprano Mady Mesplé.

Born on this day in 1932 or perhaps 1934 baritone Eugene Holmes.

Happy 61st birthday countertenor Michael Chance.