On this day in 1914 Franz Ferdinand, Archduke of Austria and his wife Sophie are assassinated in Sarajevo by young Serb nationalist Gavrilo Princip, the casus belli of WWI. 

On this day in 1841 Adophe Adam‘s ballet Giselle premiered in Paris.

Born on this day in 1874 composer Oley Speaks.

Born on this day in 1902 composer Richard Rodgers and Happy 61st birthday baritone Thomas Hampson.

Born on this day in 1912 conductor Sergiu Celibidache.

Due to an oversight on the part of La Cieca, yesterday’s “On this Day” feature saluting June 27 birthday was not published in a timely manner. Your doyenne apologizes for the inconvenience and offer this “corredtion.”

Born on that day in 1890 tenor Tino Pattiera.

Born on that day in 1893 soprano Toti Dal Monte.

Happy 89th birthday tenor Emile Belcourt.

Born on that day in 1932 soprano Anna Moffo.

Happy 60th birthday soprano Nancy Gustafson.