On this day in 1951 Benjamin Britten‘s Billy Budd premiered in London. 

Born on this day in 1823 composer Ernest Reyer who wrote the “other” Ring opera.

Born on this day in 1877 composer Mykola Dmytrovych Leontovych (who wrote something other than a familiar Ukrainian Christmas carol.)

Born on this day in 1932 mezzo-soprano Heather Begg.

On this day in 1956 Leonard Bernstein’s Candide opened on Broadway.

On this day in 1958 Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Flower Drum Song opened on Broadway.

Happy 56th birthday soprano Leontina Vaduva.

On this day in 1968 Burt Bacharach-Hal David’s Promises Promises opened on Broadway.