February 17 — On This Day in Opera

This page lists notable events in opera history that happened on February 17, including world premieres, composer births, deaths, and important milestones.

Premieres & milestones

1859 Premiere

World premiere of Verdi’s "Un ballo in maschera" at the Teatro Apollo in Rome.

Un ballo in maschera

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1904 Premiere

World premiere of Puccini’s "Madama Butterfly" at La Scala (Teatro alla Scala) in Milan.

Madama Butterfly

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1927 Premiere

World premiere of Deems Taylor’s "The King's Henchman" at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.

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Births & deaths

1925 Died

Death of soprano Alwina Valleria (died in Nice, France).

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1930 Died

Death of contralto Louise Kirkby Lunn (died in London).

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