On this day in 1898 Pietro Mascagni’s Iris premiered in Rome. 

On this day in 1831 Giacomo Meyerbeer‘s Robert le Diable premiered in Paris.

Born on this day in 1913 baritone Jacques Jansen.

Also born on this day in 1913 composer Benjamin Britten.

Born on this day in 1921 bass Günter Reich.

Happy 86th birthday director Peter Hall.

Happy 75th birthday tenor Jerome Pruett.

Happy 67th birthday mezzo-soprano Elizabeth Laurence.

Happy 65th birthday conductor Kent Nagano.

Happy 54th birthday soprano Sumi Jo.