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.
On this day in 1971 the Met revived Norma with its surefire team of Joan Sutherland and Marilyn Horne.
On this day 52 years ago the new Metropolitan Opera House opened in Lincoln Center.
Happy 73rd birthday soprano Jessye Norman!
On this day, George White’s Scandals of 1931 opened on Broadway.
Born on this day in 1874 composer Arnold Schoenberg.
Born on this day in 1938 mezzo-soprano Tatiana Troyanos.
Born on this day in 1825 critic Eduard Hanslick.
On this day in 1838 Berlioz’ Benvenuto Cellini premiered in Paris.
Born on this day in 1828 writer Lev Nikolayevich “Leo” Tolstoy.
On this day in 1966, That Girl starring Marlo Thomas premiered on ABC.
Happy 53rd birthday soprano Angela Gheorghiu.
Happy 81st birthday to one of La Cieca’s very first divas, comedienne and actress Joanne Worley.
Happy 58th birthday soprano Karita Mattila.
Born on this day in 1910 singer, actress, TV panelist and arts activist Kitty Carlisle Hart.
On this day in 1829 Rossini’s Guillaume Tell premiered in Paris.
Born on this day in 1926 baritone Thomas Stewart.
Happy 77th birthday bass Paul Plishka.
Happy 69th birthday Irish mezzo-soprano (not Canadian pop singer) Ann Murray.
Born on this day in 1918 composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein.
Happy 62nd birthday director Francesca Zambello.
>Happy 64th birthday actor, playwright, cabaret performer, drag legend, raconteur and clothes horse Charles Busch.
Born on this day in 1893 poet, writer, critic and satirist Dorothy Parker.
Happy 85th birthday mezzo-soprano Janet Baker.