Two memorable events in Washington, D.C. yesterday afternoon: a recital at the Kennedy Center by the spectacular Peruvian tenor, Juan Diego Florez; and a book party at a home in Northwest D.C. for the spectacular American author, our own Andrew Ferguson.

The recital had Florez, accompanied by the Washington National Opera Orchestra, singing arias by Rossini, Verdi and Donizetti, among others. The final scheduled work (there were three encores) was Tonio’s famous “Ah! mes amis, quel jour de fete!” from Donizetti’s La Fille du Regiment, with its nine high C’s. Florez brought down the house, and deservedly so. It was one of those rare performances where you say to yourself, I won’t forget being there. (You can watch and listen to Florez singing “Ah, mes amis,” here or here.)