May 21 — On This Day in Opera

Rameau's opéra-ballet "Les fêtes d'Hébé" was first performed at the Académie Royale de Musique in Paris.

Birth of Mikhail Glinka, Russian composer considered the father of Russian classical music and known for operas such as 'A Life for the Tsar' and 'Ruslan and Lyudmila'.

Joseph Parry's "Blodwen", often regarded as the first Welsh-language opera, was first performed in Aberystwyth.

Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci" received its world premiere at the Teatro Dal Verme in Milan, conducted by Arturo Toscanini.

Premiere of Jules Massenet's opera 'Werther' at the Vienna Hofoper (now the Vienna State Opera).

Birth of Charles Ives, American modernist composer known for his innovative techniques and contributions to early 20th-century music.

Franz von Suppé, Austrian composer of light operas and operettas including "Boccaccio" and "Donna Juanita", died.

Death of Franz von Suppé, Austrian composer known for his light operas and operettas, including 'Light Cavalry' and 'Boccaccio'.

Debussy's "Pelléas et Mélisande" received its United Kingdom premiere at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

Death of Gustav Mahler, Austrian composer and conductor known for his symphonies and orchestral songs.

Busoni's unfinished opera "Doktor Faust", completed by Philipp Jarnach, received its world premiere at the Sächsisches Staatstheater in Dresden.