Happy 80th birthday soprano/mezzo-soprano Grace Bumbry. 

Born on this day in 1710 composer Giovanni Battista Pergolesi.

On this day in 1843 Donizetti’s Don Pasquale premieres in Paris.

Born on this day in 1869 conductor Percy Pitt.

Born on this day in 1881 conductor and impersario Gaetano Merola.

Born on this day in 1892 baritone André Baugé.

Happy 68th birthday soprano Margaret Marshall.

Happy 63rd birthday tenor Peter Seiffert.

To celebrate the birthday of La Bumbry our friends at Opera Depot will offer 60% off all of her recordings through midnight on Thursday, January 5. In addition, they are offering a recording of Aida featuring Bumbry as Amneris opposite Virginia Zeani in the title role as this week’s free download.