April 21 — On This Day in Opera
This page lists notable events in opera history that happened on April 21, including world premieres, composer births, deaths, and important milestones.
Premieres & milestones
1749
Public rehearsal of Handel's 'Music for the Royal Fireworks' at Vauxhall Gardens in London, attended by an estimated 12,000 people, causing significant traffic congestion on London Bridge.
1816
Premiere
The premiere of Gioachino Rossini's opera "La gazza ladra" took place at La Scala in Milan.
1845
Premiere
Premiere of Albert Lortzing's opera 'Undine' in Magdeburg.
1910
Premiere
The premiere of Igor Stravinsky's ballet "The Firebird", closely related to operatic stage traditions, took place in Paris.
Births & deaths
1546
Born
Birth of Arcangelo Crivelli, Italian composer known for his sacred music compositions during the Renaissance period.
1672
Born
Birth of Johann Philipp Käfer, German composer and organist active in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
1730
Born
Birth of Antonín Kammel, Czech composer and violinist known for his chamber music and association with the London music scene.
1749
Born
Birth of Johann Michael Malzat, German composer and organist recognized for his contributions to liturgical music.
1782
Born
German composer and conductor Ludwig Spohr, known for operas such as "Faust", was born in Brunswick.
1857
Born
Italian composer Ruggero Leoncavallo, known for the opera "Pagliacci", was born in Naples.
1878
Died
Death of Temistocle Solera, Italian opera composer and librettist, known for his collaborations with Giuseppe Verdi.
1898
Died
Death of Louis Théodore Gouvy, French-German composer known for his symphonies, chamber music, and operatic works.
1900
Died
Death of Heinrich Vogl, German tenor celebrated for his performances in Wagnerian operas.
1961
Died
Death of James Melton, American operatic tenor who performed at the Metropolitan Opera from 1942 to 1950.
1989
Died
Italian soprano Renata Tebaldi, one of the most celebrated opera singers of the 20th century, died in San Marino.
2023
Died
Death of Sergio Rendine, Italian composer of operas, ballets, and symphonic works.
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