April 2 — On This Day in Opera

Hans Christian Lumbye, later known for composing the ballet music for Bournonville’s ballet "Napoli" and other stage works closely associated with Danish operatic and theatrical life, was born in Copenhagen.

Émile Zola, whose play later became the basis for Umberto Giordano’s opera "Andrea Chénier", was born in Paris.

The revised four-act version of Verdi’s "Don Carlos" received a performance at La Scala in Milan, representing an important stage in the opera’s evolving performance history.

The premiere of Ruggero Leoncavallo’s opera "Zazà" took place at the Teatro Lirico in Milan.

American soprano and opera director Beverly Sills died in New York City after an influential career that included performances in "Manon", "Lucia di Lammermoor", and "The Tales of Hoffmann".