Villazon Is Back; RIP Blanche Thebom and Susana Walton

Some classical news stories from the last few days:

Rolando Villazon, whose vocal problems had forced him to take a hiatus, is back --triumphantly back--on the opera stage.

Blanche Thebom, the American mezzo, is dead at 91. She may be most remembered for participating in the classic Wilhelm Furtwangler recording of Wagner's Tristan, where she took on the secondary, but indispensable role of Isolde's lady-in-waiting.

Let's also note the passing of Lady Susana Walton, widow of composer William Walton. After her husband's death, she devoted herself to the spectacular gardens at their home in Italy--check out these photos.