For Those Who Love Opera

23/08/2026

Aldo Protti
(1920–1995)

A powerful and distinguished Italian baritone, Aldo Protti was one of the great interpreters of the Verdi repertoire in the postwar era.

Born in Cremona, Protti made his debut in 1948 and soon established himself on the world’s most prestigious stages, including La Scala, the Vienna State Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera.

His repertoire included some of opera’s most demanding baritone roles, but Rigoletto became his signature part—one he performed hundreds of times throughout his remarkable career. He was also acclaimed as Amonasro in Aida, Iago in Otello, Scarpia in Tosca, Gérard in Andrea Chénier, and Tonio in Pagliacci.

His powerful voice, commanding stage presence, and unmistakable Verdian style made him a memorable figure in 20th-century opera.

23/08/2026

Ígor Stravinski

23/08/2026

23/08/2026

Stella Roman
(August 23, 1904 – February 12, 1992)

was a remarkable Romanian soprano whose powerful voice and dramatic intensity brought her international acclaim.

Born in Cluj, she initially studied music in Romania before continuing her vocal training in Italy. Her career flourished in the great opera houses of Europe, and in 1941 she made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, where she became one of its celebrated dramatic sopranos.

Roman was particularly admired in the great Italian repertoire, including Aida, Tosca, La Gioconda, Il Trovatore and Andrea Chénier. Her voice combined a rich, penetrating sound with a strong theatrical presence.

She also had an important association with Arturo Toscanini, appearing in performances of Verdi’s music and becoming part of the distinguished circle of singers surrounding the legendary conductor.

23/08/2026

Natalie Bodanya
(August 23, 1908 – March 4, 2007)

was an American operatic soprano who had an active international career from the late 1920s through the 1940s. She notably sang at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City from 1937 through 1942 and was a performer with the New York City Opera during the company's 1943-1944 inaugural season.

23/08/2026

Raimund Frederick Herincx
(August 23, 1927 - February 10, 2018)

was a British operatic bass-baritone. Through a varied international career, Herincx performed in most of the world's great opera houses and with many of the world's leading symphony orchestras, having been in demand in international opera and in the choral and orchestral field. He is also featured in many recordings, some of which are creator's recordings and others, first recordings.

23/08/2026

Franz Ferdinand Nentwig
(August 23, 1923 - July 14, 2015)

was a German opera singer remembered for his work on the European operatic stage during the 20th century. His career was associated particularly with the German-speaking opera tradition, where singers were valued not only for vocal power but also for dramatic characterization and musical discipline.

Nentwig belonged to a generation of artists who helped sustain the rich German operatic repertoire, performing in an era when opera houses were important centers of European musical life.

23/08/2026

Lieuwe Visser
(August 23, 1939 - March 23, 2014)

was a highly respected Dutch bass, admired for his powerful voice, dramatic presence, and remarkable versatility.

Born in Amsterdam, he built an international career performing an extensive repertoire that ranged from Mozart and Verdi to Wagner and contemporary opera. His imposing stage presence made him particularly memorable in dramatic roles.

Visser was also an important figure in Dutch musical life, appearing with leading opera companies and orchestras and leaving a valuable legacy through his recordings and performances.

His voice possessed the depth and authority required for the great bass roles, while his artistry brought intelligence and character to every performance.

23/08/2026

Happy Birthday dear Laura Claycomb!!

23/08/2026

El barbero de Sevilla