On this day in 64 the Great Fire of Rome began under the Emperor Nero.

Born on this day in 1670 composer Giovanni Bononcini.

On this day in 1791 Cherubini’s Lodoiska premiered in Paris.

Born on this day in 1821 mezzo-soprano and composer Pauline Viardot-Garcia.

Born on this day in 1927 conductor Kurt Masur.

Happy 90th birthday conductor Carlo Franci.

Born on this day in 1931 baritone Yury Mazurok.

Happy 52nd birthday mezzo-soprano Vesselina Kasarova.

Happy 63rd birthday composer Tobias Picker.