On this day in 1831 Vincenzo Bellini‘s La Sonnambula premiered in Milan. 

Born on this day in 1870 composer Oscar Straus.

Born on this day in 1890 tenor Fernand Ansseau.

Born on this day in 1900 soprano Gina Cigna.

Born on this day in 1921 conductor Julius Rudel.

Born on this day in 1924 conductor and director Sarah Caldwell.

Born on this day in 1927 bass-baritone Norman Treigle.

Born on this day in 1930 composer and conductor Lorin Maazel.

Happy 74th birthday tenor Michail Svetlev.

Happy 73rd birthday soprano Kiri Te Kanawa.

Happy 71st birthday soprano Nan Christie.

Happy belated birthday to parterre scribe Todd Koenig.