May 23 — On This Day in Opera

Birth of Giovanni Battista Viotti, Italian violinist and composer who influenced the development of the modern concerto and had an impact on opera orchestration.

Birth of Étienne Lainez, French tenor known for creating the role of Narcisse in Gluck's opera 'Écho et Narcisse'.

Stephen Storace's opera "Dido, Queen of Carthage" premiered at the King's Theatre in London.

The final version of Beethoven's "Fidelio" premiered at the Kärntnertortheater in Vienna.

Birth of Zulma Bouffar, French soprano who created roles in several Offenbach operas, including Fragoletto in 'Les Brigands' and Gabrielle in 'La Vie parisienne'.

Pavlos Carrer's "Isabella d'Aspeno" was staged in Patras, becoming the first opera by a Greek composer performed in the Kingdom of Greece.

Rosa Raisa, Polish-born dramatic soprano who created the title role in Puccini's "Turandot", was born.

Jean Françaix, composer of operas and comic operas including "La Main de la gloire" and "La Princesse de Clèves", was born.

Birth of Jean Françaix, French composer and pianist known for his neoclassical style, who composed operas such as 'L'Apocalypse selon Saint Jean'.

Ilva Ligabue, Italian operatic soprano especially associated with Verdi roles, was born.

Ingeborg Hallstein, German coloratura soprano known for the Queen of the Night in "Die Zauberflöte" and Zerbinetta in "Ariadne auf Naxos", was born.

Enescu's "Oedipe" received its first staged United Kingdom performance at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.