Happy 70th birthday soprano Edita Gruberova (with music for the holidays.) 

Born on this day in 1714 librettist Ranieri de’Calzabigi.

Born on this day in 1874 composer Rafael Calleja.

On this day in 1893 Humperdinck’s Hansel und Gretel premiered in Weimar.

Born on this day in 1900 baritone Karl Schmitt-Walter.

Born on this day in 1912 bass Josef Greindl.

Happy 89th birthday bass Alexander Vedernikov.

Happy 82nd birthday conductor Claudio Scimone

Happy 59th birthday tenor Frank Lopardo.

Happy 58th birthday soprano Tiziana Fabbricini.