WindyCityOperaman
Dan Soda (Windy City Operaman) is a Chicago native whose first visit to opera was at age 17 and Massenet’s Werther with Troyanos and Kraus. Nothing was ever the same. Opera and concert performances, recordings and video are an obsession. He prepares Parterre Box’s daily birthday and anniversary tributes. He also enjoys concerts, live theater and movies.
Born on this day in 1895 lyricist Lorenz Hart.
On this day in 1941 Citizen Kane premiered at the Palace Theater in New York City.
On this day in 1989 the Metropolitan Opera broadcast L’elisir d’amore.
On this day in 1965, My Name is Barbra premiered on CBS.
On this day in 2013, the Metropolitan Opera revived Vec Makropulos starring Karita Mattila.
On this day in 2007 the Metropolitan Opera Debut of tenor Lawrence Brownlee as Almaviva.
On this day in 1926 Puccini’s opera Turandot premiered in Milan.
On this day in 1944, the Metropolitan Opera, on tour in Chicago, presented Tosca.
Born on this day in 1928 performer and diplomat Shirley Temple.
Happy 88th birthday mezzo-soprano Fiorenza Cossotto.
On this day in 2008 the Metropolitan Opera presented a new production of La Fille du Régiment.
On this day in 1967 soprano Elisabeth Grümmer made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Elsa.
Happy 58th birthday soprano Natalie Dessay.
Happy 75th birthday soprano Catherine Malfitano.
On this day in 1957 the musical Shinbone Alley opened at the Broadway Theatre.
On this day in 1975 soprano Katia Ricciarelli made her Met debut as Mimi.
On this day in 1976 Johanna Meier made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Ariadne.
Born on this day in 1912 Olympic skater and film star Sonja Henie.
On this day in 1975 Rossini’s Siege of Corinth had its American stage premiere at the Metropolitan Opera, with Beverly Sills making her official Met debut.
On this day in 1996 the Metropolitan Opera presented a new production of Andrea Chénier.
Born on this day in 1908 actress Bette Davis.
On this day in 2013 the Metropolitan Opera presented a new production of Handel’s Giulio Cesare.
On this day in 1975 soprano Magda Olivero made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Tosca.
On this day in 1962 Liza Minnelli made her off-Broadway debut in the musical Best Foot Forward.
Tell us: What was the best of 2025?
Parterre Box concludes the thrilling first year of Talk of the Town by inviting your lightning rod opinions on several more categories of operatic argumentation.
