On this day in 1907 bass Fyodor Chaliapin made his Met debut in Boito’s Mefistofele. 

On this day in 1808 Beethoven’s Fidelio premiered in Vienna.

Happy 81st birthday tenor René Kollo.

Happy 70th birthday soprano Barbara Hendricks.

Happy 68th birthday tenor Vinson Cole.

Happy 93rd birthday actress, comedian and singer Kaye Ballard.