Happy 53rd birthday baritone Peter Mattei!

Happy 69th birthday tenor Neil Shicoff.

The gayest tweet of all time ushers in mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade‘s 73rd birthday.

On this day in 1817 Rossini’s La gazza ladra premiered in Milan.

Born on this day in 1931 mezzo-soprano/soprano Shirley Verrett.

Born on this day in 1894 actress, singer and comedic performer Bea Lillie.

Born on this day in 1923 composer György Ligeti.

Born on this day in 1911 actor, raconteur and bon vivant Vincent Price.

Happy 80th birthday soprano Teresa Stratas.

Born on this day in 1929 soprano and administrator Beverly Sills.

On this day in 1966 Jerry Herman‘s Mame opened on Broadway.

Born on this day in 1813 composer Richard Wagner.

On this day in 1892 Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci premiered in Milan.

Born on this day in 1861 soprano Nellie Melba.

Born on this day in 1906 soprano Zinka Milanov and in 1918 soprano Birgit Nilsson.

Happy 69th birthday bass Ferruccio Furlanetto! 

On this day in 1937 mezzo soprano Jennie Tourel made her Met debut as Thomas’ Mignon.

Born on this day in 1957 soprano Daniela Dessì. 

Born on this day in 1842 composer Arthur Sullivan. 

Thirty years ago today the musical Carrie: The Musical opened at the Virginia Theatre, to run four performances.

On this day in 2002 tenor Salvatore Licitra made his Metropolitan Opera debut as Cavardossi. 

On this day in 1937 “Star Spangled Banner: soprano Lucy Monroe made her only Metropolitan Opera performance as Musetta.

Happy 63rd birthday mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter.

Happy birthdays to countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo and tenor Michael Fabiano.