Born on this day in 1748 composer William Shield. 

On this day in 1856 the second Royal Opera House Covent Garden theatre was destroyed by fire.
Almost a century later . . .

On this day in 1868 Arrigo Boito’s Mefistofele premiered in Milan.

Born on this day in 1887 composer Heitor Villa-Lobos.

Born on this day in 1893 tenor Alessio De Paolis.

Born on this day in 1900 tenor Josip Gostic.

Born on this day in 1903 soprano Gitta Alpar.

Born on this day in 1929 soprano Sylvia Stahlman.

Happy 86th birthday composer Anthony Hedges.

Happy 79th birthday bass Dimiter Petkov.