On this day in 1868 Bizet’s Les Pêcheurs de perles premiered in Paris. 

Born on this day in 1659 composer Henry Purcell and born on this day in 1941 conductor Christopher Hogwood.

Born on this day in 1714 composer Niccolò Jommelli.

On this day in 1838 Berlioz’ Benvenuto Cellini premiered in Paris.

Happy 77th birthday bass Hans Sotin.

Born on this day in 1939 soprano Judith Nelson.

Happy 72nd birthday baritone Thomas Allen.

Happy 69th birthdays stage director David Pountney and composer Adriano Guarnieri .

Happy 67th birthday soprano Francoise Pollet.

Happy 59th birthday tenor and director Laurence Dale.