On this day in 1914 Victor Herbert’s Madeleine premiered at the Metropolitan Opera.  

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fn2bgr5l5KI

Born on this day in 1732 playwright Pierre-Augustin Beaumarchais
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCaoTRVk5gM

Born on this day in 1746 patron, librettist and operatic inspiration Gustavus III
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vm6xPAElSOM

Born on this day in 1776 composer, writer and operatic inspiration E T A Hoffmann
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rn3uuzyoyAU

Born on this day in 1891 bass-baritone Jaro Prohaska
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qtu72kPhWD0

Born on this day in 1905 mezzo-soprano Elena Nicolai
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOvSByJSavE

Born on this day in 1918 composer Gottfried von Einem
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-5LAvNsa94

Born on this day in 1919 composer and conductor Leon Kirchner
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mMom6V1nZ8

Happy 85th birthday contralto Birgit Finnilä
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkXhfYXuEzY

Happy birthday to radio presenter (and mezzo-soprano) Naomi Lewin
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkWRrrkncnY