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.
Happy 34th birthday to soprano Lise Davidsen!
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On this day in 1928 soprano Grace Moore made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Mimì.
Born on this day in 1899 actor Ramon Novarro.
On this day in 1949 the legendary Mae West revived her 1928 play Diamond Lil at the Coronet Theatre, playing (ça va sans dire) the title role.
Born on this day in 1918 actress, director and producer Ida Lupino.
Born on this day in 1887 poet and expatriate Gertrude Stein.
Happy 84th birthday soprano Martina Arroyo.
Born on this day in 1922 soprano Renata Tebaldi.
On this day in 1936 Billie Burke presented Ziegfeld Follies of 1936 with (among others) Fanny Brice, Bob Hope, Josephine Baker, Eve Arden, Judy Canova, Harriet Hoctor, Gertrude Niesen and The Nicholas Brothers. (Did I mention that the choreographer was George Balanchine and the sets and costumes were designed by Vincente Minnelli?)
Born on this day in 1882 actress Mary Boland.
Born on this day in 1923 actress and singer Anne Jeffreys.
Born on this day in 1963 tenor Marcello Giordani.
Born on this day in 76 AD Roman Emperor Hadrian.
Born on this day in 1909 actress Ann Sothern.
Born on this day in 1926 bodybuilder and actor Steve Reeves.
Born on this day in 1920 screenwriter and director Federico Fellini.
Born on this day in 1930 actress and activist ‘Tippi’ Hedren.
Happy 75th birthday soprano Katia Ricciarelli.
Happy 99th birthday to television legend and animal health advocate Betty White.
Happy 87th birthday mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne.
On this day in 1958 Samuel Barber‘s Vanessa had its world premiere at the Met.
On this day in 1900 Puccini’s Tosca premiered in Rome.
Born on this day in 1905 actress Kay Francis.
Born on this day in 1938 mezzo-soprano Tatiana Troyanos.
