Born on this day in 1748 composer William Shield. 
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylThUvoaZck

On this day in 1856 the second Royal Opera House Covent Garden theatre was destroyed by fire.
Almost a century later . . .
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZXw-0j0TEI

On this day in 1868 Arrigo Boito’s Mefistofele premiered in Milan.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbkuyCuPH9I

Born on this day in 1887 composer Heitor Villa-Lobos.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0osK5bdiZA

Born on this day in 1893 tenor Alessio De Paolis.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jt9WDOes3c4

Born on this day in 1900 tenor Josip Gostic.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DznmciBYDg

Born on this day in 1903 soprano Gitta Alpar.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHfj_K5z_zE

Born on this day in 1929 soprano Sylvia Stahlman.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxBHor48S8c

Happy 86th birthday composer Anthony Hedges.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9Gri2LJ3ZA

Happy 79th birthday bass Dimiter Petkov.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JcS4-CA1p4