May 18 — On This Day in Opera

This page lists notable events in opera history that happened on May 18, including world premieres, composer births, deaths, and important milestones.

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1810

Francesco Maria Piave, librettist of Verdi's "Rigoletto", "La traviata", "Macbeth", "Simon Boccanegra", and "La forza del destino", was born.

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1887

Chabrier's opéra-comique "Le roi malgré lui" premiered at the Opéra-Comique in Paris.

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1892

Ezio Pinza, Italian bass and major Metropolitan Opera singer, was born.

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1910

Pauline Viardot, French dramatic mezzo-soprano, composer, and creator of Fidès in Meyerbeer's "Le prophète", died.

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1911

Gustav Mahler, composer and influential opera conductor who directed the Vienna Court Opera, died.

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1911

Death of Gustav Mahler, Austrian composer and conductor known for his symphonies and orchestral songs, in Vienna at age 50.

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1922

Stravinsky's chamber opera-ballet "Renard" premiered at the Paris Opéra.

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2012

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, German baritone active in opera and especially renowned for Lieder, died.

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2012

Death of Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, German baritone and conductor renowned for his interpretations of Lieder and operatic roles, at age 86.

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