On this day in 1735, the premiere performance of George Frideric Handel’s Ariodante was given at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

Born on this day in 1915 bass-baritone Karl Dönch

Born on this day in 1923 bass Giorgio Tozzi

Born on this day in 1924 composer Benjamin Lees

Born on this day in 1926 soprano Evelyn Lear

Happy 78th birthday composer Robert Moran

Happy 77th birthday bass Yevgeny Nesterenko

Happy 69th birthday opera director Elijah Moshinsky