There will be plenty of drama this afternoon on The Classical Network, as we remember operatic superstar Mirella Freni. Freni died yesterday at the age of 84. We’ll hear her in one of her most celebrated roles, as Mimi, with her childhood friend, Luciano Pavarotti, singing Rodolfo.

Then Freni will appear as Micaela, in Bizet’s “Carmen.” Today also happens to be the anniversary of the birth of Leontyne Price. Price will sing the title role on that very same recording.

We’ll even find time for mellifluous, dark-hued bass Cesare Siepi, also born on this date.

Not all of the drama will take place on the operatic stage, however. Today is also the birthday of the great Jerry Goldsmith. Expect a substantial medley of some of his most enduring film scores.

Along the way, we’ll head back to the Baroque with Johann Melchior Molter and hear music by the 20th century Canadian composer Jean Coulthard.

Drama is our middle name, from 4 to 7 p.m EST, on WWFM – The Classical Network and wwfm.org.

PHOTOS: Jerry Goldsmith (top) with, left to right, Leontyne Price, Mirella Freni and Luciano Pavarotti, and Price (again) with Cesare Siepi