May 1 — On This Day in Opera

This page lists notable events in opera history that happened on May 1, including world premieres, composer births, deaths, and important milestones.

1786

The premiere of Mozart's "Le nozze di Figaro" took place at the Burgtheater in Vienna.

Le nozze di Figaro

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1840

The premiere of Gaetano Donizetti's opera "La fille du régiment" took place at the Opéra-Comique in Paris.

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1852

The premiere of Fromental Halévy's opera "La tempesta" took place in London.

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1873

Birth of Sergei Rachmaninoff, Russian composer and conductor known for his contributions to opera and classical music.

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1893

Premiere of Jules Massenet's opera 'Thaïs' at the Opéra Garnier in Paris.

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1899

American soprano Florence Easton, noted for her performances in operas such as "Aida" and "Tosca", was born in Middlesbrough.

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1900

Birth of Ignace Strasfogel, Polish-American pianist, composer, and conductor known for his work in opera.

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1956

The premiere of Benjamin Britten's opera "Gloriana" in a notable revival helped reestablish the work in the operatic repertoire.

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1975

Death of Josephine Antoine, American coloratura soprano celebrated for her performances in operas by Mozart and Donizetti.

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