Marisa Galvany and I go back 45 years...Still one of the greats....and I make sure everyone knows it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  The OPERA GODS must have loved May 17, for they created Zinka Milanov (1906) and Birgit Nilsson (1918). Bless their memories!!!

What more is there to say??I have heard this live and on records over a zillion times, and the effect never ceases to be less than a MIRACLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  When we did Anna Bolena in Paterson,New Jersey in 1970....did I think someday Sam Ramey and Marisa Galvany would be doing it at City Opera (but without me). Just to stand there (as Rochefort) and hear that final D....wow!!!! Our maestro,Armen Boyajian makes the piano sound like an orchestra!!!

 I wish all the mommies out there a Happy Mothers' Day, hoping it does not resemble what Marisa Galvany did.

  Sayao, born may 11, 1902, DEFINED the word "beloved." She did not have to have a huge voice...but what she did (including using chest voice), was just a miracle of style and love of the phrase. She once delighted us by spening an entire Met intermission with us, answering questions, etc. She was adored!!!!

  I am glad my mommy never was like this.Otherwise, I might have turned out to be abnormal, when you all KNOW I am totally together....Right??????

Which one would you love for your mommy????????????????

  Nothing like the Roberto Devereux finale............

  Watching this gorgeous DVD of Tchaikowsky's "Iolantha" today and discovering yet another marvelous artist. Look,there are so many out there. Ekaterina Scherbachenko has a rich,luscious voice and I hope you enjoy the Onegin sample here.