I’m a stranger here myself I’m a stranger here myself

In 1982 I saw Turandot at the San Francisco Opera, the year after I became an opera fan, and it was my first live opera.

Come to the record store in old Peking Come to the record store in old Peking

In the lead up to LA Opera’s mounting of Turandot on May 18th (hooray!) I thought I’d touch on some of my favorite recordings and new re-masters I’ve discovered. I have them all.

Breaching the walls Breaching the walls

On this day in 1975 Rossini‘s Siege of Corinth had its American stage premiere at the Metropolitan Opera

Contents fragile Contents fragile

Perhaps the greatest souvenir of her art there is.

Now, baby, or never Now, baby, or never

Born on this day in 1915 singer and songwriter Billie Holiday.

Long lost daughter Long lost daughter

On this day in 1975 Rossini’s Siege of Corinth had its American stage premiere at the Metropolitan Opera. Soprano Beverly Sills made her official Met debut as Pamira.

You’ve got to climb Mount Everest You’ve got to climb Mount Everest

On this day in 1975 soprano Beverly Sills made her official Metropolitan Opera debut as Pamira in L’assedio di Corinto.