May 15 — On This Day in Opera

Claudio Monteverdi, composer of "L'Orfeo", "Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patria", and "L'incoronazione di Poppea", was baptized.

Nicolas Dalayrac's opéra-comique "Nina, ou La folle par amour" was first performed by the Comédie-Italienne in Paris.

Birth of Michael William Balfe, Irish composer best known for his opera 'The Bohemian Girl'.

Massenet's "Esclarmonde" premiered at the Opéra-Comique in Paris.

Sibyl Sanderson, American soprano who created the title role in Massenet's "Esclarmonde", died.

Italo Montemezzi, composer of "L'amore dei tre re", died.

Birth of Ricky Ian Gordon, American composer noted for operas and vocal music blending classical and theater styles.

Glyndebourne Opera Festival stages Wagner's 'Parsifal' for the first time, fulfilling founder John Christie's long-held wish nearly a century after the festival's inception.