Born on this day in 1909 soprano Marjorie Lawrence. 

Born on this day in 1796 composer Giovanni Pacini.

On this day in 1859 Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera premiered in Napoli.

Born on this day in 1888 conductor Vincenzo Bellezza.

Born on this day in 1897 contralto Gertrud Wettergren.

On this day in 1904 Puccini’s Madama Butterfly had its disastrous premiere in Milan.

Born on this day in 1913 conductor and composer René Leibowitz.

Born on this day in 1914 baritone Luis Sagi-Vela.

Happy 91st birthday composer Friedrich Cerha.

Born on this day in 1924 soprano and writer Margaret Truman.

Born on this day in 1926 composer Lee Hoiby.

Happy 72nd birthday soprano Ellen Shade.