Born on this day in 1858 composer Giacomo Puccini. 

Celebrate the maestro’s birthday this weekend with two webcasts: Il trittico from the Bayerische Staatsoper on Saturday…

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

and La bohème from the Royal Opera, Covent Garden on Monday.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Dtouh3p0qc

Born on this day in 1883 composer Edgard Varèse.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SN_5oUL_9xE

Born on this day in 1885 composer and critic Deems Taylor.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1N8x3RxBgys

Born on this day in 1901 conductor Andre Kostelanetz.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hovQgsve31o

Born on this day in 1903 mezzo-soprano Rosette Anday.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSd3BJqER1o

Born on this day in 1916 bass Fernando Corena.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqDES9KwWJg

Born on this day in 1921 composer Robert Kurka.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMSrzOYe0cQ

Born on this day in 1924 opera director and librettist Frank Corsaro.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFnvkV-b1_Y

Happy 63rd birthday mezzo-soprano Jean Rigby.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEzDivKgbo0