Maria Ewing sings Mozart Maria Ewing sings Mozart

Today is Mozart’s 266th birthday and I had already planned a Trove Thursday celebration when I learned that Maria Ewing had died on January 9.

Playing the diva vs. being the diva Playing the diva vs. being the diva

In the last weeks of January, as the Metropolitan Opera season wound to a close (prior to the winter hiatus) two striking sopranos were thrust into the limelight.

It begins tonight It begins tonight

On this day in 1961: the historic Metropolitan Opera debuts of Leontyne Price and Franco Corelli in Verdi’s Il trovatore.

Tosca Tosca

Elena Stikhina stars as the fiery diva.

Plenty of security Plenty of security

Born on this day in 1923 actress and singer Anne Jeffreys.

When you wish upon a scar When you wish upon a scar

So that there’s no confusion: the Long Day’s Journey into Night seen here is contemporary, political, brutal, and universal.

I will remember you I will remember you

Only time can tell if some performances enter the collective opera memory, if such a thing even exists, as “historical”

We are family We are family

Premiered on this day in 1909 Richard Strauss‘s Elektra.

Aïda Aïda

A live performance from New York

I want your Rex I want your Rex

Opera Philadelphia’s return to the stage after two years was greeted by a cheering crowd who clearly would have been happy to stay longer, but as director David Devan acknowledged, this was a step in a continuing trajectory.

Madwoman Madwoman

Born on this day in 1883 actress Estelle Winwood.

“I do like to win” “I do like to win”

Happy 89th birthday to Broadway singer-dancer supreme Chita Rivera.

La bohème La bohème

Starring Maria Agresta as Mimì and Charles Castronovo as Rodolfo.

Grande dame Grande dame

Born on this day in 1878 actress and acting coach Constance Collier.

Lorenzo’s toil Lorenzo’s toil

“Meet our new chief conductor Lorenzo Viotti – Dutch National Opera”

One of a kind One of a kind

Born on this day in 1926 bodybuilder and actor Steve Reeves.

Late bloomer Late bloomer

Teresa Zylis-Gara died in late August at 91 and Trove Thursday offers the Polish soprano in a wide-ranging collection of live material showcasing her great versatility.

“I think I was born stubborn” “I think I was born stubborn”

Born on this day in 1926 actress Patricia Neal.

O mother, where art thou? O mother, where art thou?

On this day in 1853 Verdi’s Il trovatore premiered in Rome.

Eyesight to the blind Eyesight to the blind

Which much-lauded gem of an American artist is about to emerge from retirement?

I’m like a bird I’m like a bird

Happy 91st birthday actress Tippi Hedren.

“I’ve always been multicultural myself” “I’ve always been multicultural myself”

Born on this day in 1927 singer, actress, comedian, dancer and activist Eartha Kitt.

Nothing to hit but the heights Nothing to hit but the heights

Born on this day in 1908 actress and singer Ethel Merman.

Tosca Tosca

Streaming and discussion begin at 6:55 PM. Photo: Ken Howard / Met Opera