1737
The premiere of George Frideric Handel's opera "Serse" took place at the King's Theatre in London.
May 4 — On This Day in Opera
This page lists notable events in opera history that happened on May 4, including world premieres, composer births, deaths, and important milestones.
1780
Italian composer Saverio Mercadante, known for operas such as "Il giuramento", was born in Altamura.
1826
The premiere of Carl Maria von Weber's opera "Oberon" took place at Covent Garden in London.
1843
Birth of Bianka Blume, German soprano known for her performances in major European opera houses, including La Scala and Teatro di San Carlo.
1849
The premiere of Otto Nicolai's opera "Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor" was conducted in Berlin, establishing it as his most enduring work.
1869
Birth of Hans Pfitzner, German composer and conductor, noted for his opera 'Palestrina'.
1921
Birth of John van Kesteren, Dutch tenor known for his performances in operas by Mozart and Strauss.
1929
Italian soprano Renata Scotto, renowned for roles in "Madama Butterfly" and "La traviata", was born in Savona.
1930
Birth of Roberta Peters, American soprano celebrated for her roles at the Metropolitan Opera.
1931
Birth of Gennady Rozhdestvensky, Russian conductor known for his interpretations of Russian operas.
2020
Composer Anthony Davis awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music for his opera 'The Central Park Five'.
2025
Curtis Opera Theatre presents Handel's 'Ariodante' at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia.
2025
Performance of Rossini's 'Il barbiere di Siviglia' at Opéra Nice Côte d'Azur in Nice, France.
2025
Opera Colorado presents Verdi's 'Il Trovatore' in concert at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver.
2025
Minnesota Opera performs Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville' at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in St. Paul.
2025
Metropolitan Opera hosts a gala honoring Elizabeth and Jean-Marie Eveillard for their five decades of support.