Tree Fertilization for Fine Root Growth and Whole Root System Effects

Summary: Grass and tree fertilization programs for fine root growth and whole root system effects juggle natural litter, tree age and health and site conditions.

broadcast (left) and drill hole (right) systems for tree fertilization are administered within the drip line: Fertilizer Application (e-TESDA), Public Domain, via Technical Education and Skills Development Authority of the Philippines

An article for the January 2017 issue of Arboriculture & Urban Forestry announces the results of four-year research into tree fertilization for fine root growth response and for whole root system effects.

Angela Hewitt and corresponding author Gary Watson of The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, base their findings upon nitrogen fertilization with or without growth-regulating paclobutrazol (PBZ). They commence Fine Root Growth Response to Soil-Applied Nitrogen and Paclobutrazol with arborists primarily choosing nitrogen for routine maintenance fertilization of non-nutrient-deficient, suburban and urban trees.

The American National Standard Institute (ANSI) A300 Standard for Tree Care Operations (Part 2) describes enhanced root development and function among fertilization's deficiency-fighting, growth-defined, need-based objectives. It encourages annual landscape tree fertilization rates 10.6 times that of nitrogen estimated as excluded from natural nutrient cycling through fallen leaf and twig litter removal.

Previous research finds tree fertilization applications facilitating fine root growth with large crowns and unbalanced root:shoot ratios and favoring overall root system development in low-nutrient soils.

Studies give younger and older trees age-, goal-, size-determined nitrogen fertilizer rates, well beyond natural loss through litter removal, at 1.44-2.88 and 0.96-1.44 kg N/100 m2/yr. The difference theoretically heads older trees into favorable root-crown balances and moderate growth and vigor rates and helps younger trees with rapid growth into mature sizes. It ignores leaching to tree roots, at under 1 to around 71 percent, of recommended, same-rate yearly nitrogen fertilization programs for cool- and warm-season turfgrass varieties.

Fine root growth and whole root system effects concurrently juggle opportunistic leaching and tree fertilization with same-effect broadcast fertilization, granule-filled drilled holes and liquid injection applications.

The study keeps as its objective whole root system effects of broadcast or injected nitrogen on young ash (Fraxinus) and maple (Acer) and mature oak (Quercus).

Eighteen white (Quercus alba) and 36 bur (Q. macrocarpa) oaks live off three-year, low phosphorous-correcting, triple super phosphate (0-45-0) applications in poor-draining, undisturbed Nappanee silt loam. They manage first-year, one-time PBZ basal soil drenches and, in May and August, yearly granular 38-0-0 fertilizer, for leaf area and twig growth measurements every August. Dumas method-friendly nitrogen analyzers, Kjeldahl method-friendly samplers, Minolta meters and root density cores respectively note foliar nitrogen, total soil nitrogen, chlorophyll content and fine root growth.

The tree fertilization study obtains whole root system measurements by isolating 12 black maples (Acer nigrum) and 30 green ashes (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) with trenches at midpoints.

Nu-Gro Nitroform fertilizer (38-0-0) provides broadcast applications for 15 green ash, granular applications and injections for another 15 green ash and injections for all black maples.

Fertilizing the top 3.94 inches (10 centimeters), with or without PBZ, quickens fine root, not leaf or twig, growth and similar leaf area and nitrogen content. The Watson study from 1994 in contrast reveals significant fine root growth locally near injections and respects common practices of granular nitrogen quick-release fertilizer-filled drilled holes. Quality, undisturbed soils suggest established whole root systems and maximum fine root density unneedy of fertilizer and PBZ applications perhaps more appropriate for disturbed, unbalanced landscapes.

Grass and tree fertilization applications inconsistent with natural litter inputs and unclaimed by trees for fine root growth and by turfgrass turn landscapes into leached wastelands.

drill hole system for fertilization observes drip line boundaries; drilled holes allow for penetration of soil by air and fertilizer: Tom Hall/Georgia Forestry Commission/Bugwood.org, CC BY 3.0 United States, via Forestry Images

Acknowledgment

My special thanks to:
talented artists and photographers/concerned organizations who make their fine images available on the internet;
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for superior on-campus and on-line resources.

Image credits:

broadcast (left) and drill hole (right) systems for tree fertilization are administered within the drip line: Fertilizer Application (e-TESDA), Public Domain, via Technical Education and Skills Development Authority of the Philippines @ http://e-tesda.gov.ph/Fruit_Grower/Mod4/M4_L2_fertilizerapplication.html

drill hole system for fertilization; drilled holes allow for penetration of soil by air and fertilizer: Tom Hall/Georgia Forestry Commission/Bugwood.org, CC BY 3.0 United States, via Forestry Images @ https://www.forestryimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=1361178

For further information:

American National Standard Institute. 2011. American National Standard for Tree Care Operations -- Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Management -- Standard Practices (Soil Management a. Modification, b. Fertilization, and c. Drainage) (ANSI A300, Part 2). Londonderry NH: Tree Care Industry Association, Inc.

Gilman, Ed. 2011. An Illustrated Guide to Pruning. Third Edition. Boston MA: Cengage.

Hayes, Ed. 2001. Evaluating Tree Defects. Revised, Special Edition. Rochester MN: Safe Trees.

Marriner, Derdriu. 17 December 2016. “Abiotic and Biotic Stress in Low Maintenance Tree Health Care Programs.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2016/12/abiotic-and-biotic-stress-in-low.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 19 November 2016. “Organic Amendments to Compacted Degraded Urban Highway Roadsides.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2016/11/organic-amendments-to-compacted.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 15 October 2016. “Tree Protection Zones by Arborists for All Construction Project Phases.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2016/10/tree-protection-zones-by-arborists-for.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 17 September 2016. “Stormwater Runoff Landscaping With Urban Canopy Cover and Groundcover.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2016/09/stormwater-runoff-landscaping-with.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 13 August 2016. “Changing Places: Tree Nutrient Movement Down, Tree Water Movement Up.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2016/08/changing-places-tree-nutrient-movement.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 16 July 2016. “Treated or Untreated Oriental Bittersweet Vine Management Cut-Stumping.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2016/07/treated-or-untreated-oriental.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 18 June 2016. “Tree Injection Site Procedures: Manufacturer's Instructions and Labels.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2016/06/tree-injection-site-procedures.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 22 May 2016. “Electrical Utility Area Temperate Urban Street Trees: Pruned Regrowth.” Earth and Space News. Sunday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2016/05/electrical-utility-area-temperate-urban.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 16 April 2016. “Tree Injection Methods: Treatment Option in Integrated Pest Management.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2016/04/tree-injection-methods-treatment-option.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 6 March 2016. “Bare-Rooted Ornamental Urban Transplants: Amendments Against Mortality.” Earth and Space News. Sunday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2016/03/bare-rooted-ornamental-urban.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 28 February 2016. “Bark Protective Survival Mechanisms Foil Deprivation, Injury, Invasion.” Earth and Space News. Sunday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2016/02/bark-protective-survival-mechanisms.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 23 January 2016. "LITA Model: Linear Index of Tree Appraisal of Large Urban Swedish Trees." Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2016/01/lita-model-linear-index-of-tree.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 19 December 2015. “Tree Lightning Protection Systems: Site, Soil, Species True Designs.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2015/12/tree-lightning-protection-systems-site.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 24 October 2015. “Tree Lightning Protection Systems Tailored to Sites, Soils, Species.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2015/10/tree-lightning-protection-systems.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 15 August 2015. “Tree Friendly Urban Soil Management: Amend, Fertilize, Mulch, Till!” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2015/08/tree-friendly-urban-soil-management.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 13 June 2015. “Tree Friendly Urban Soil Management: Assemble, Assess, Assist, Astound.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2015/06/tree-friendly-urban-soil-management.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 18 April 2015. “Tree Wound Responses: Healthy Wound Closures by Callus and Woundwood.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2015/04/tree-wound-responses-healthy-wound.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 15 February 2015. “Urban Forest Maintenance and Non-Maintenance Costs and Benefits.” Earth and Space News. Sunday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2015/02/urban-forest-maintenance-and-non.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 13 December 2014. “Tree Dwelling Symbionts: Dodder, Lichen, Mistletoe, Moss and Woe-Vine.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2014/12/tree-dwelling-symbionts-dodder-lichen.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 18 October 2014. “Tree Cable Installation Systems Lessen Target Impact From Tree Failure.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2014/10/tree-cable-installation-systems-lessen.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 16 August 2014. “Flood Tolerant Trees in Worst-Case Floodplain and Urbanized Scenarios.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2014/08/flood-tolerant-trees-in-worst-case.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 14 June 2014. “Integrated Vegetation Management of Plants in Utility Rights-of-Way.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2014/06/integrated-vegetation-management-of.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 12 April 2014. “Tree Twig Identification: Buds, Bundle Scars, Leaf Drops, Leaf Scars.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2014/04/tree-twig-identification-buds-bundle.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 15 February 2014. “Tree Twig Anatomy: Ecosystem Stress, Growth Rates, Winter Identification.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2014/02/tree-twig-anatomy-ecosystem-stress.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 14 December 2013. “Community and Tree Safety Awareness During Line- and Road-Clearances.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2013/12/community-and-tree-safety-awareness.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 13 October 2013. “Chain-Saw Gear and Tree Work Related Personal Protective Equipment.” Earth and Space News. Sunday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2013/10/chain-saw-gear-and-tree-work-related.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 12 October 2013. “Storm Damaged Tree Clearances: Matched Teamwork of People to Equipment.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2013/10/storm-damaged-tree-clearances-matched.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 17 August 2013. “Storm Induced Tree Damage Assessments: Pre-Storm Planned Preparedness.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2013/08/storm-induced-tree-damage-assessments.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 15 June 2013. “Storm Induced Tree Failures From Heavy Tree Weights and Weather Loads.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2013/06/storm-induced-tree-failures-from-heavy.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 13 April 2013. “Urban Tree Root Management Concerns: Defects, Digs, Dirt, Disturbance.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2013/04/urban-tree-root-management-concerns.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 16 February 2013. “Tree Friendly Beneficial Soil Microbes: Inoculations and Occurrences.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2013/02/tree-friendly-beneficial-soil-microbes.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 15 December 2012. “Healthy Urban Tree Root Crown Balances: Soil Properties, Soil Volumes.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2012/12/healthy-urban-tree-root-crown-balances.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 13 October 2012. “Tree Adaptive Growth: Tree Risk Assessment of Tree Failure, Tree Strength.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2012/10/tree-adaptive-growth-tree-risk.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 11 August 2012. “Tree Risk Assessment Mitigation Reports: Tree Removal, Tree Retention?” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2012/08/tree-risk-assessment-mitigation-reports.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 16 June 2012. “Internally Stressed, Response Growing, Wind Loaded Tree Strength.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2012/06/internally-stressed-response-growing.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 14 April 2012. “Three Tree Risk Assessment Levels: Limited Visual, Basic and Advanced.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2012/04/three-tree-risk-assessment-levels.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 19 February 2012. “Qualitative Tree Risk Assessment: Risk Ratings for Targets and Trees.” Earth and Space News. Sunday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2012/02/qualitative-tree-risk-assessment-risk.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 18 February 2012. “Qualitative Tree Risk Assessment: Falling Trees Impacting Targets.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2012/02/qualitative-tree-risk-assessment.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 10 December 2011. “Tree Risk Assessment: Tree Failures From Defects and From Wind Loads.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2011/12/tree-risk-assessment-tree-failures-from.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 15 October 2011. “Five Tree Felling Plan Steps for Successful Removals and Worker Safety.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2011/10/five-tree-felling-plan-steps-for.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 13 August 2011. “Natives and Non-Natives as Successfully Urbanized Plant Species.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2011/08/natives-and-non-natives-as-successfully.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 11 June 2011. “Tree Ring Patterns for Ecosystem Ages, Dates, Health and Stress.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2011/06/tree-ring-patterns-for-ecosystem-ages.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 9 April 2011. “Benignly Ugly Tree Disorders: Oak Galls, Powdery Mildew, Sooty Mold, Tar Spot.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2011/04/benignly-ugly-tree-disorders-oak-galls.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 12 February 2011. “Tree Load Can Turn Tree Health Into Tree Failure or Tree Fatigue.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2011/02/tree-load-can-turn-tree-health-into.html

Marriner, Derdriu. 11 December 2010. “Tree Electrical Safety Knowledge, Precautions, Risks and Standards.” Earth and Space News. Saturday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2010/12/tree-electrical-safety-knowledge.html

Watson, Gary; and Hewitt, Angela. January 2017. "Fine Root Growth Response to Soil-Applied Nitrogen and Paclobutrazol." Arboriculture & Urban Forestry 43(1): 38-46.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Art Theft: Rembrandt Seascape

Summary: The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum art theft hides an etching, two bronzes and 10 paintings, including the only Rembrandt seascape, since March 18, 1990.

"Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee," only known seascape by Dutch Golden Age painter Rembrandt van Rijn, stolen March 18, 1990, from Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum's Dutch Room: Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The only Rembrandt seascape, Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee, appears on lists of the 13 artworks missing since the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum art theft March 18, 1990.

Total length and total width bump the oil on canvas into the most conspicuous category of the museum's bustled-off etching, two art objects and 10 paintings. The size and the subject, the story of Jesus calming waves and winds, converge to call up the most credible post-theft sightings from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania. Tom Mashberg of the Boston Herald describes discerning Aug. 18, 1997 frayed edges and Rembrandt's signature on "arguably the most famous missing painting in the world."

Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Geoffrey Kelly exposes its attempted sale in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 2003, according to a witness deemed credible by the FBI.

The Rembrandt seascape finds itself on a handwritten list of the artworks, with their black market value, in the course of FBI searches May 2, 2012.

Elene Guarente's testimony in 2010 regarding husband Robert F. Guarente's giving away, in Portland, Maine, in 2003, possibly stolen paintings generate FBI searches two years later. Searches of Guarente acquaintance Robert V. Gentile's ranch-style residence in Manchester, Connecticut, harvest from the basement the list tucked inside a Boston Herald from March 1990. Assistant U.S. Attorney John H. Durham indicating, for District Court in Hartford April 17, 2015, Gentile's attempted fences with undercover FBI inspires searches May 2, 2016.

Stealing Beauty by Tom Mashberg for Vanity Fair's March 1998 issue juggles different names while joining attempted recoveries of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum art theft.

sample of alizarin, organic compound comprising main ingredient in red lake pigments favored by Dutch Golden Age painter Johannes Vermeer; paint chips provided to Boston Herald reporter Tom Mashberg as alleged scrapings from Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum art heist, have been matched by leading conservator Hubert von Sonnenburg (1928-July 16, 2004) to Vermeer's expensive pigment palette: Ben (Benjah-bmm27), Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Mashberg article keeps the viewing location of the Rembrandt seascape as an old warehouse across from a "decrepit low-rise housing project" in Brooklyn, New York.

The viewing leads in October 1997 to receipt of paint chips and 25 negatives from William P. Youngworth III, Boston antiques dealer arranging the warehouse visit. Electron and polarized-light microscopic testing by Walter C. McCrone of Chicago, Illinois, in 1997 makes them 350-year-old chips from where the Rembrandt seascape possibly was painted. Hubert von Sonnenburg's re-examinations, in 2003, at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, note exact matches with Johannes Vermeer's (Oct. 31, 1632-Dec. 15, 1675) red-lake pigment.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum art theft obtains, as its two most expensive artworks, one of 34 firmly attributed Vermeer paintings and the only Rembrandt seascape.

"The Concert," painted by Dutch Golden Age painter Johannes Vermeer, joins Dutch Golden Age painter Rembrandt van Rijn's "Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee" as the two most expensive artworks stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons

New Testament synoptic gospel passages from Luke 8:22-25, Mark 4:35-41 and Matthew 8:23-27 prompt Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn's (July 15, 1606-Oct. 4, 1669) seascape of 1633.

Mashberg quotes Myles J. Connor Jr., samurai swords collector and Youngworth acquaintance: "Everyone loves the thought of owning a Rembrandt, if only for a little while." The 63- by 50.38-inch (160- by 128-centimeter) oil on canvas reveres autobiographical proclivities in the self-depicted, turquoise-clad disciple and Dutch Reformed Church emphases upon biblical knowledge. It supports Connor's observation if not him, his associates Bobby Donati and David Houghton, and Youngworth as Agent Kelly's Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum art theft suspects.

Anthony P. Amore, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum security chief, theorizes that "Mrs. Gardner would have expected us to battle every day to get back her art."

An empty frame marks display place in the Dutch Room for Rembrandt's only seascape: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Acknowledgment

My special thanks to talented artists and photographers/concerned organizations who make their fine images available on the internet.

Image credits:

"Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee," only known seascape by Dutch Golden Age painter Rembrandt van Rijn, stolen Sunday, March 18, 1990, from Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum's Dutch Room: Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rembrandt_Christ_in_the_Storm_on_the_Lake_of_Galilee.jpg

sample of alizarin, organic compound comprising main ingredient in red lake pigments favored by Dutch Golden Age painter Johannes Vermeer; paint chips provided to Boston Herald reporter Tom Mashberg as alleged scrapings from Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum art heist, have been matched by leading conservator Hubert von Sonnenburg (1928-July 16, 2004) to Vermeer's expensive pigment palette: Ben (Benjah-bmm27), Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alizarin-sample.jpg

"The Concert," painted by Dutch Golden Age painter Johannes Vermeer, joins Dutch Golden Age painter Rembrandt van Rijn's "Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee" as the two most expensive artworks stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vermeer_The_concert.JPG

An empty frame marks display place in the Dutch Room for Rembrandt's only seascape: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Empty_Frames_at_Isabella_Stewart_Gardner_Museum.jpg

For further information:

Baker, Billy. 10 March 2015. "Gardener Keeps Gardner Museum's Atrium in Bloom." Boston Globe > Metro.
Available @ https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/03/09/gardener-keeps-gardner-atrium-bloom/bbSZctlMtkEDy9UDYWrO4K/story.html

Boston Landmarks Commission. Report on the Potential Designation of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum as a Landmark under Chapter 772 of the Acts of 1975, as Amended.
Available @ https://www.cityofboston.gov/images_documents/ISGM%20Study%20Report%20as%20Amended_tcm3-39717.pdf

"Collection." Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
Available @ http://www.gardnermuseum.org/collection

FBI. 15 November 2005. "FBI Announces Top Ten Art Crimes." Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) > News > Stories > 2005 > November.
Available via FBI @ https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/news/stories/2005/november/topten_art111505

FBI. 8 March 2013. "Gardner Museum in Boston Offering $5 Million Reward for Stolen Art." YouTube.
Available @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DpD1HbcFfQ

FBI Boston Division. "Boston FBI Continues Hunt for Stolen Artwork." Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) > Boston Division > Press Releases > 2010.
Available via FBI @ https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/boston/press-releases/2010/bs031510.htm

FBI Boston Division. "FBI Provides New Information Regarding the 1990 Isabella Stewart Gardner Art Heist." Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) > Boston Division > Press Releases > 2013.
Available via FBI @ https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/boston/press-releases/2013/fbi-provides-new-information-regarding-the-1990-isabella-stewart-gardner-museum-art-heist

"The Gardner Museum Theft." Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) > FBI Top Ten Art Crimes.
Available @ https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/5-million-reward-offered-for-return-of-stolen-gardner-museum-artwork

"Johannes Vermeer: The Complete Works." Vermeer Foundation.
Available @ http://www.vermeer-foundation.org/

Marriner, Derdriu. 6 January 2017. "Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Art Theft: Rembrandt Self-Portrait." Earth and Space News. Friday.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2017/01/isabella-stewart-gardner-museum-art.html

Mashberg, Tom. March 1998. "Stealing Beauty." Vanity Fair > Culture.
Available @ http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/1998/03/biggest-art-heist-us-history

Mashberg, Tom. 26 February 2015. "Isabella Stewart Gardner Heist: 25 Years of Theories." New York Times > Arts > Art & Design.
Available @ http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/01/arts/design/isabella-stewart-gardner-heist-25-years-of-theories.html?_r=0

Murphy, Shelley. 17 March 2015. "Search for Artworks from Gardner Heist Continues 25 Years Later." Boston Globe > Metro.
Available @ https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/03/17/gardner-museum-art-heist-one-boston-most-enduring-mysteries-years-later/9U3tp1kJMa4Zn4uClI1cdM/story.html

"Reputed Mobster Arrested, Reportedly Tried to Fence Gardner Museum Art." The Boston Globe > Posted Apr 17, 2015 at 3:14 PM > Updated Apr 18, 2015 at 10:52 PM.
Available @ http://www.telegram.com/article/20150417/NEWS/304179654

"Thirteen Works: Explore the Gardner's Stolen Art." Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum > Resources > Theft.
Available @ http://www.gardnermuseum.org/resources/theft

Thomson, Jason. 3 May 2016. "Isabella Stewart Gardner Theft: Is the Massive Art Heist About to be Solved?" The Christian Science Monitor > USA > USA Update.
Available @ http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/USA-Update/2016/0503/Isabella-Stewart-Gardner-theft-Is-the-massive-art-heist-about-to-be-solved

WBUR. 12 March 2009. "Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Heist." YouTube.
Available @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irBRWMMHOI8

WBUR. 18 March 2010. "'The Storm on the Sea of Galilee' by Rembrandt Van Rijn.'" YouTube.
Available @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3t0JQ0f2AvQ

Williams, Paige. March 2010. "The Art of the Story." Boston Magazine > Gardner Museum > Gardner Museum Theft.
Available @ http://www.bostonmagazine.com/2010/03/gardner-heist/3/

Winter Triangle Is Asterism Within Winter Hexagon Asterism

Summary: The Winter Triangle, which gathers three stars from three constellations, is an asterism within the Winter Hexagon asterism.

Winter Triangle of white Sirius (center foreground), white Procyon (upper left) and orange-red Betelgeuse (upper right); three stars of Orion’s belt below Betelgeuse; Rigel (right foreground), below Orion’s belt; ground-based image by Japanese amateur astronomer Akira Fujii shows constellations of Canis Major, Canis Minor and Orion; credit Akira Fujii: Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hubble_heic0206j.jpg

The Winter Triangle, which gathers three major stars from three constellations, is an asterism within the Winter Hexagon asterism that rises high in Northern Hemisphere skies from December to February.

A recognizable pattern of stars, known as an asterism, may participate in an official constellation or may cull stars from more than one constellation. The Winter Hexagon gathers six stars from six constellations. The hexagonal asterism’s six sides are defined by Auriga the Charioteer’s Capella, Taurus the Bull’s Aldebaran, Orion the Hunter’s Rigel, Canis Major’s Sirius, Canis Minor’s Procyon and Gemini the Twins’ Pollux.

The Winter Triangle borrows two stars, Canis Major’s Sirius and Canis Minor’s Procyon, from the Winter Hexagon. Located within the space delimited by the Winter Hexagon, Orion’s Betelgeuse completes the triangular asterism.

The Winter Triangle’s stellar trio claim elite membership among the top nine brightest stars in Earth’s skies. Sirius, which is actually a binary star system, ranks as the brightest star in Earth’s night skies. Procyon and Betelgeuse hold eighth and ninth place, respectively. Procyon and Betelgeuse move up to the sixth and seventh spots in a ranking of brightest stars only primarily visible in the Northern Hemisphere.

Sirius marks the Winter Triangle’s southern apex. In Canis Major (“Greater Dog”), the night’s brightest star represents the constellatory dog’s nose.

Sirius's Bayer designation, devised by German celestial cartographer and stellar designator Johann Bayer (1572-March 7, 1625), is Alpha Canis Majoris (α Canis Majoris; Alpha CMi; α CMa). Its astronomical designation references Sirius’s status as the constellation’s brightest star. Its popular name derives from Ancient Greek (Σείριος, Seirios, "scorching").

Sirius’s binary star system comprises Sirius A, a white main sequence star, and its companion, Sirius B, a massive white dwarf. Near the horizon, Sirius appears as blue, red and white flashes to the naked eye. Sirius B is not visible to the naked eye.

Procyon marks the Winter Triangle’s northeastern apex. In Canis Minor (“Lesser Dog”), Procyon marks the constellatory dog’s side.

As with Sirius, Procyon is also a binary star system. Sirius A, a yellow-white main sequence star, is companioned by Procyon B, a white dwarf. The naked eye does not perceive Procyon B.

Procyon's Bayer designation is Alpha Canis Minoris (α Canis Minoris; Alpha CMi; α CMi). Its astronomical designation references Procyon’s rank as the brightest star in the Lesser Dog constellation. The bright star’s popular name derives from Ancient Greek (Προκύων, Prokyon, "before the dog"), reflecting Procyon’s appearance above the horizon before Sirius, known as “Dog Star,” in mid-northern latitudes.

Red supergiant Betelgeuse marks the Winter Triangle’s northwestern Apex. In Orion, Betelgeuse represents the ancient hunter’s shoulder. Face-front depictions find Betelgeuse in the mythical Greek huntsman’s right shoulder. Back-view depictions show Betelgeuse as Orion’s left shoulder.

Betelgeuse’s Bayer designation is Alpha Orionis (α Orionis; Alpha Ori; α Ori). Betelgeuse generally is the second brightest star in Orion. As a semi-regular variable star, though, Betelgeuse occasionally shines brighter than the constellation’s brightest star, multiple-star system Rigel.

Arabic philology expert Paul Kunitzsch (born July 14, 1930) traces the red supergiant’s popular name to a corruption of an Arabic descriptive phrase (يدالجوزاء, Yad al-Jauzā, “hand of al-Jauza”). Arab astronomy views Orion, with stars from northeastern constellatory neighbor Gemini the Twins, as a female figure known as al-Jauza (“the Central One”).

The three star’s triangular asterism encloses much of the constellation of Monoceros the Unicorn. The faint constellation hosts nebulae, such as the diffuse Rosette Nebula, and star clusters, such as open clusters Messier 50 (M 50; NGC 2323) and the Christmas Tree Cluster (NGC 2264). The Milky Way winds through Monoceros and the Winter Triangle and continues through the Winter Hexagon and beyond.

The takeaway for the Winter Triangle as an asterism within the Winter Hexagon asterism is the two-for-one enjoyment of stellar geometry, especially in the Northern Hemisphere’s wintry skies from December to February.

Winter Triangle asterism within Winter Hexagon asterism: Jim Thomas (Jomegat), Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Acknowledgment

My special thanks to talented artists and photographers/concerned organizations who make their fine images available on the internet.

Image credits:

Winter Triangle of white Sirius (center foreground), white Procyon (upper left) and orange-red Betelgeuse (upper right); three stars of Orion’s belt below Betelgeuse; Rigel (right foreground), below Orion’s belt; credit Akira Fujii: Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hubble_heic0206j.jpg; CC BY 4.0 International, via ESA/Hubble @ https://esahubble.org/images/heic0206j/

Winter Triangle asterism within Winter Hexagon asterism: Jim Thomas (Jomegat), Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wintersky.jpg

For further information:

Byrd, Deborah. “See the Unicorn on Dark January Nights.” EarthSky > Tonight. Jan. 19, 2017.
Available @ http://earthsky.org/tonight/find-monoceros-the-constellation-of-the-unicorn-within-winter-triangle

“Canis Major Constellation.” Constellation Guide > Constellation List.
Available @ http://www.constellation-guide.com/constellation-list/canis-major-constellation/

“Canis Minor Constellation.” Contellation Guide > Constellation List.
Available @ http://www.constellation-guide.com/constellation-list/canis-minor-constellation/

Constellation Guide Admin. “Winter Hexagon.” Constellation Guide. March 13, 2016.
Available @ http://www.constellation-guide.com/winter-hexagon/

Couper, Heather; Nigel Henbest. The Story of Astronomy: How the Universe Revealed its Secrets. London UK: Octopus Publishing Group, 2012.

Darling, David. “Winter Hexagon.” The Worlds of David Darling > Encyclopedia of Science.
Available @ http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/W/Winter_Hexagon.html

Fujii, Akira. “Ground-Based Image of Orion, Canis Minor and Canis Major (Ground-Based Image).” Hubble Space Telescope > Images. Image release date: Dec. 13, 2005.
Available @ http://www.spacetelescope.org/images/heic0516d/

Hufnagel, Beth; Bob Stein. “16 Brightest Stars (Visible in the Northern Hemisphere).” Michigan State University Department of Physics and Astronomy > Courses > 1997 Spring.
Available @ https://www.pa.msu.edu/courses/1997spring/ISP205/sec-3/brightstars.html

Kunitzsch, Paul. Arabische Sternnamen in Europa. Wiesbaden, Germany: O. Harrassowitz, 1959.

MacRobert, Alan. “This Week’s Sky at a Glance, January 16-24.” Sky and Telescope > Observing > Sky at a Glance. Jan. 16, 2015.
Available @ http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/sky-at-a-glance/weeks-sky-glance-january-16-24/

Malin, David. “Constellations of Monoceros and Canis Minor.” David Malin Images > Akira Fujii > Constellations Indus to Virgo.
Available @ http://www.davidmalin.com/fujii/source/Mon.html

Marriner, Derdriu. “Winter Hexagon Asterism Gathers Six Stars From Six Constellations.” Earth and Space News. Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2017/01/winter-hexagon-asterism-gathers-six.html

“Orion Constellation.” Constellation Guide > Constellation List.
Available @ http://www.constellation-guide.com/constellation-list/orion-constellation/

Ridpath, Ian. “The 25 Brightest Stars as Seen From Earth.” Ian Ridpath.
Available @ http://www.ianridpath.com/brightest.htm

Ridpath, Ian. “Canis Minor The Lesser Dog.” Ian Ridpath > Star Tales.
Available @ http://www.ianridpath.com/startales/canisminor.htm

Ridpath, Ian. “Orion the Hunter.” Ian Ridpath > Star Tales.
Available @ http://www.ianridpath.com/startales/orion2.htm

Sessions, Larry. “Procyon the Little Dog Star.” EarthSky > Brightest Stars. Feb. 25, 2016.
Available @ http://earthsky.org/brightest-stars/procyon-harbringer-of-the-dog-star

Snyder, Dave. “Introduction to the Constellations.” University of Michigan > University Lowbrow Astronomers > Guide. December 2003.
Available @ http://www.umich.edu/~lowbrows/guide/constellations.html

Staal, Julius D.W. The New Patterns in the Sky: Myths and Legends of the Stars. Blacksburg VA: McDonald and Woodward Publishing Co., 1988.

Thompson, Gary D. “The Entry of Arabic Star Names Into Europe.” Ancient Zodiacs, Star Names, and Constellations: Essays and Critiques. Last updated Nov. 3, 2016.
Available @ http://members.westnet.com.au/gary-david-thompson/page9q.html

La Bohème Is the Jan. 14, 2017, Metropolitan Opera Saturday Matinee Broadcast

Summary: The Jan. 14, 2017, Metropolitan Opera Saturday matinee broadcast is La Bohème, a four-act tragic opera about young love and loss by Giacomo Puccini.

Ailyn Pérez appears as Mimì in the Jan. 14, 2017, Saturday matinee radio broadcast of Puccini's La Bohème: Metropolitan Opera @MetOpera, via Twitter Jan. 6, 2017

La Bohème, a four-act opera by Giacomo Antonio Domenico Michele Secondo Maria Puccini (Dec. 22, 1858-Nov. 29, 1924) concerning the bittersweet pathos of young love and untimely death, is the Jan. 14, 2017, Metropolitan Opera Saturday matinee broadcast.

Italian librettists and playwrights Giuseppe Giacosa (Oct. 21, 1847-Sept. 1, 1906) and Luigi Illica (May 9, 1857-Dec. 16, 1919) wrote the Italian libretto. The literary source is Scènes de la Vie de Bohème, a novelized collection of loosely related stories set in the Parisian Latin Quarter in the 1840s by French novelist and poet Louis-Henri Murger (March 27, 1822-Jan. 28, 1861).

The premiere of Puccini’s fourth opera took place Feb. 1, 1896. The venue was Teatro Regio (“Royal Theatre”), located at Piazza Castello in the historic center of Torino (Turin), Piedmont, northwestern Italy. Arturo Toscanini (March 25, 1857-Jan. 16, 1957) conducted the premiere.

The composer and his librettist retain the bohemian setting of the Quartier Latin (“Latin Quarter”) in the lively, artistic atmosphere of the 5th and 6th arrondissements of Paris (5e arrondissement et 6e arrondissement de Paris). The time period is the 1830s, which the Metropolitan Opera’s 2016-2017 season setting notes explains as “not a random setting.” The poverty-riddled, unstable lives of four friends (musician, painter, philosopher, poet) epitomize the unsettling time period “when, following the upheavals of revolution and war, French artists had lost their traditional support base of aristocracy and church.”

The Saturday matinee broadcast of La Bohème begins at 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (6 p.m. Coordinated Universal Time). The estimated run time for the performance is about 2 hours 58 minutes. The performance, sung in the original Italian, comprises four acts and two intermissions.

Acts I and II are timed at 61 minutes. A 33-minute intermission follows Act II.

Act III is timed at 26 minutes. A 28-minute intermission follows Act III.

Act IV is timed at 30 minutes. The Saturday matinee broadcast performance ends with Act IV’s final notes.

Carlo Rizzi conducts the September, October and January performances, including the Saturday matinee broadcast, of La Bohème. His birthplace is Milan, Lombardy, northwestern Italy. The Italian conductor reprises his 1993 Metropolitan Opera debut as conductor of La Bohème.

Carlo Rizzi shares the conductor’s podium with Marco Armiliato, who conducts all November and December performances. Born in Genoa, Liguria, northwestern Italy, Marco Armiliato reprises his 1998 Metropolitan Opera debut as conductor of La Bohème. The Genoese conductor also takes the podium this season for Aida by Giuseppe Fortunino Francesco Verdi (Oct. 10, 1813-Jan. 27, 1901) and Cyrano de Bergerac by Franco Alfano (March 8, 1875-Oct. 27, 1954), and Puccini’s Manon Lescaut.

Ailyn Pérez appears as Mimì, the sweet seamstress whose quiet death underscores the poignantly fleeting tone of life and love for bohemians, those who struggle outside of the settled parameters of mainstream society. Her birthplace is Chicago, Cook County, northeastern Illinois. The American operatic soprano debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in 2015 as Micaëla in Carmen by Georges Bizet (Oct. 25, 1838-June 3, 1875).

Ailyn Pérez appears in the September, October and January performances, including the Saturday matinee broadcast, of La Bohème. She shares the role of Mimì this season with Hei-Kyung Hong and Kristine Opolais.

Hei-Kyung Hong appears in the Dec. 8 performance. She was born in Hongcheon County, Gangwon Province, northeastern South Korea. The South Korean-American lyric soprano debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in 1984 as Servilia in La Clemenza di Tito by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Jan. 27, 1756-Dec. 5, 1791).

Kristine Opolais appears in the November and Dec. 3 performances. She was born in Riga, Latvia. The Latvian operatic soprano debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in 2013 as Magda in Puccini’s La Rondine. This season Kristine Opolais also appears in the title roles of Puccini’s Manon Lescaut and of Rusalka by Czech composer Antonín Leopold Dvořák (Sept. 8, 1841-May 1, 1904).

Michael Fabiano appears as Rodolfo, the poor poet whose deep love for Mimì is symbolized by his treasuring, during their separation, the pink bonnet that he bought for her on the day they met. He was born in Montclair, Essex County, northern New Jersey. The American operatic tenor debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in 2010 as Raffaele in Verdi’s Stiffelio. Michael Fabiano also appears this season as Alfredo Germont in Verdi’s La Traviata.

Michael Fabiano appears in the January performances, including the Saturday matinee broadcast, of La Bohème. He shares the role of Rodolfo this season with Piotr Beczala and Dmytro Popov.

Piotr Beczala appears in the November and December performances. His birthplace is Czechowice-Dziedzice, Silesia Province, southwestern Poland. The Polish operatic tenor debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in 2006 as the Duke in Verdi’s Rigoletto.

Dmytro Popov appears in the September and October performances. The Ukrainian tenor’s appearance as Rodolfo marks his Metropolitan Opera debut.

Susanna Phillips appears as Musetta, who rescues Mimì from homelessness to reunite the seriously ill seamstress with Rodolfo, the love of her all-too-brief life. She was born in Huntsville, Madison County, northeastern Alabama. The American lyric soprano reprises her 2008 Metropolitan Opera debut role as Musetta. This season Susanna Phillips also appears as Clémence in L’Amour de Loin by Finnish composer Kaija Saariahho.

Susanna Phillips appears in September, October and January performances, including the Saturday matinee broadcast, of La Bohème. She shares the role of Musetta with Brigitta Kele, who appears in the November and December performances. The Romanian soprano’s role as Musetta marks her Metropolitan Opera debut.

Alessio Arduini appears as Rodolfo’s painter friend, Marcello, who loves Musetta. He was born in Desenzano del Gardia, Lombardy, northwestern Italy. The Italian baritone debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in 2014 as Schaunard in Puccini’s La Bohème.

Alessio Arduini appears in the opera’s January performances, including the Saturday matinee broadcast. He shares the role of Marcello this season with David Bizic and Massimo Cavalletti.

David Bizic appears in the opera’s September and October performances. His birthplace is Belgrade, Serbia. The Serbian operatic baritone debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in 2014 as Albert in Werther by Jules Émile Frédéric Massenet (May 12, 1842-Aug. 13, 1912). David Bizic also reprises his debut role this season.

Massimo Cavalletti appears in the opera’s November and December performances. He was born in Lucca, Tuscany, north central Italy. The Italian baritone debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in 2010 as Schaunard in La Bohème.

Alexey Lavrov appears as Schaunard, the musician in the tight-knit bohemian group. His birthplace is Pechora, Komi Republic, northwestern Russia. The Russian baritone debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in 2013 as the Flemish Deputy in Verdi’s Don Carlo.

Alexey Lavrov appears in the January performances, including the Saturday matinee broadcast. He shares the role of Schaunard with Patrick Carfizzi and Rodion Pogossov.

Patrick Carfizzi appears in the November and December performances. He was born in Newburgh, Orange County, southern New York. The American bass-baritone debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in 1999 as Ceprano in Verdi’s Rigoletto.

Rodion Pogossov appears in the September and October performances. His birthplace is Moscow, northwestern Russia. The Russian baritone debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in 2002 as Fiorello in Il Barbiere di Siviglia by Gioachino Antonio Rossini (Feb. 29, 1792-Nov. 13, 1868).

Christian Van Horn appears as the tight-knit, bohemian group’s fourth member, Colline, who is a philosopher. Christian Van Horn appears in the opera’s January performances, including the Saturday matinee broadcast. He was born in Rockville Centre, Nassau County, Long Island, New York. The American operatic bass-baritone debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in 2013 as Pistola in Verdi’s Falstaff.

Christian Van Horn shares the role of Colline this season with Ryan Speedo Green, who appears in the September, November and December performances. Ryan Speedo Green’s birthplace is Tampa, Hillsborough County, west central Florida. The American bass-baritone debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in 2012 as a Mandarin in Puccini’s Turandot.

Paul Plishka appears in two roles, as the friends’ landlord, Benoît, and as Musetta’s wealthy patron, Alcindoro. He appears in the November, December and January performances, including the Saturday matinee broadcast. He was born in Old Forge, Lackawanna County, northeastern Pennsylvania. The American bass debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in 1967 as Monk in La Gioconda by Amilcare Ponchielli (Aug. 31, 1834-Jan. 16, 1886).

Paul Plishka shares the two roles of Alcindoro and Benoît this season with Philip Cokorinos, who appears in the opera’s September and October performances. His hometown is New York, New York. The American operatic bass debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in 1988 as the Doctor in Verdi’s Macbeth. Philip Cokorinos also appears this season as the Innkeeper in Puccini’s Manon Lescaut and as Johann in Massenet’s Werther.

Operabase, an online database, places Giacomo Puccini in third place in a ranking of 1,281 most popular composers for the five seasons from 2011/2012 to 2015/16. La Bohème claims fourth place in the list of 2,658 most popular operas.

The Metropolitan Opera’s 2016 Repertory Report gives performance statistics through Oct. 31. La Bohème claims first place, with 1,295 performances, for the period from first Met performance, Nov. 9, 1900, to last performance, Oct. 14, 2016. Only the October 2016 performances of the Metropolitan Opera’s 2016-2017 season production of La Bohème fall within the report’s parameters.

The takeaway for La Bohème as the Jan. 14, 2017, Metropolitan Opera Saturday matinee broadcast is the four friends’ camaraderie despite their depressing finances and Mimì’s sweetness, which lingers in hearts and minds long after the shock of her quiet death.

Puccini's La Bohème airs as the Jan. 14, 2017, Saturday matinee broadcast during the 2016-2017 Met Opera season: Metropolitan Opera @MetOpera, via Facebook Feb. 17, 2016

Acknowledgment

My special thanks to talented artists and photographers/concerned organizations who make their fine images available on the internet.

Image credits:

Ailyn Pérez appears as Mimì in the Jan. 14, 2017, Saturday matinee radio broadcast of Puccini's La Bohème: Metropolitan Opera @MetOpera, via Twitter Jan. 6, 2017, @ https://twitter.com/MetOpera/status/817435063386251265

Puccini's La Bohème airs as the Jan. 14, 2017, Saturday matinee broadcast during the 2016-2017 Met Opera season: Metropolitan Opera @MetOpera, via Facebook Feb. 17, 2016, @ https://www.facebook.com/MetOpera/photos/a.10156647457545533.1073741891.20807115532/10156647457710533/

For further information:

"Composers: Composers Ranked by the Number of Performances of Their Operas Over the Five Seasons 2011/2012 to 2015/16." Operabase > Opera Statistics.
Available @ http://operabase.com/top.cgi?lang=en

Metropolitan Opera. “La Bohème: Set Change Timelapse.” YouTube. Dec. 15, 2016.
Available @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmybiI-M-IE

Metropolitan Opera @MetOpera. “Back on stage tonight for 3 perfs only! Puccini's La Bohème starring @AilynPerez1 and Fabiano!” Twitter. Jan. 6, 2017.
Available @ https://twitter.com/MetOpera/status/817435063386251265

Metropolitan Opera @MetOpera. "The Met presents its spectacular Zeffirelli production, with three excellent casts: SONYA YONCHEVA, Kristine Opolais, and Ailyn Pérez are paired with Dmytro Popov, Piotr Beczała, and Michael Fabiano, respectively, as the young Parisian lovers at the center of the story. . . ." Facebook. Feb. 17, 2016.
Available @ https://www.facebook.com/MetOpera/photos/a.10156647457545533.1073741891.20807115532/10156647457710533/

“Performances Statistics Through October 31, 2016.” MetOpera Database > The Metropolitan Opera Archives > Repertory Report.
Available @ http://archives.metoperafamily.org/archives/Database%20Opera%20Statistics.xml