On this day in 1956, the musical Candide opened at the Martin Beck Theater for 73 performances.

Born on this day in 1823 composer Ernest Reyer who wrote the “other” Ring opera

Born on this day in 1877 composer Mykola Dmytrovych Leontovych (who wrote something other than a familiar Ukrainian Christmas carol)

Born on this day in 1932 mezzo-soprano Heather Begg

Happy 54th birthday soprano Leontina Vaduva

Yesterday:

Born on this day in 1796 composer Carl Loewe

Born on this day in 1847 composer and conductor August Klughardt

Happy 75th birthday conductor Walter Weller

Happy 72nd birthday soprano Luana DeVol