1851
Premiere
Errico Petrella's opera "Il carnevale di Venezia" was first performed at the Teatro Nuovo in Naples.
May 20 — On This Day in Opera
This page lists notable events in opera history that happened on May 20, including world premieres, composer births, deaths, and important milestones.
Premieres & milestones
1856
Premiere
Verdi's French revision of "Il trovatore", titled "Le trouvère", was first performed at La Monnaie in Brussels.
1896
A counterweight from the chandelier in the Palais Garnier opera house in Paris fell into the auditorium, tragically killing one audience member and injuring several others.
1928
Premiere
Harry Lawrence Freeman's opera 'Voodoo' was first performed as a radio broadcast with piano accompaniment on WGBS, marking a significant moment in African American operatic history.
Births & deaths
1650
Died
Francesco Sacrati, early Baroque opera composer associated with "La finta pazza", died.
1954
Died
Death of Charles Ives, American modernist composer known for his innovative techniques and contributions to early 20th-century music.
2002
Died
Sándor Kónya, Hungarian tenor especially associated with Wagner's "Lohengrin", died.
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