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 1917 director and impresario Wieland Wagner.
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Happy 83rd birthday to diva Grace Bumbry.
On this day in 1956 the Metropolitan Opera celebrated the 25th anniversary of the debut of soprano Lily Pons.
On this day in 1958 Maria Callas canceled a gala performance of Norma after the first act in the so-called “Rome Walkout.”
On this day in 1972, Stephen Sondheim‘s Company closed on Broadway, finishing a run of 705 performances.
On this day in 2009 Yannick Nézet-Séguin made his Metropolitan Opera debut conducting Carmen.
On this day in 1954 the Harold Arlen–Truman Capote musical House of Flowers opened at the Alvin Theatre, to run 165 performances.
Born on this day in 1936 actress, producer and social advocate Mary Tyler Moore.
Happy 85th birthday to thespian Dame Maggie Smith.
Born on this day in 1901 actress and diseuse Marlene Dietrich.
On this day in 1830 Donizetti’s Anna Bolena premiered in Milan.
On this day in 1903, the Metropolitan Opera presented the first staged performance of Parsifal outside Bayreuth.
Born on this day in 1858 composer Giacomo Puccini.
Happy 82nd birthday to activist and actor Jane Fonda.
On this day in 1968, the musical spoof Dames at Sea opened at the Bouwerie Lane Theatre, starring Bernadette Peters.
Born on this day in 1953 baritone and teacher Sanford Sylvan.
Sixty years ago today soprano Birgit Nilssson made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Isolde.
On this day in 1937 soprano Zinka Milanov made her Metropolitan Opera debut in Il trovatore.
Born on this day in 1899 composer, playwright and actor Noel Coward.
Miss Bette Davis starred in the musical revue Two’s Company, which opened on this day in 1952 at the Alvin Theatre to run only 90 performances.
On this day in 1918 Puccini’s Il Trittico premiered at the Metropolitan Opera.
Happy 89th birthday soprano Rosanna Carteri!
