May 8 — On This Day in Opera

Birth of Johann Gänsbacher, Austrian composer and conductor known for his sacred music and operatic works.

Death of Lorenz Christoph Mizler, German physician, mathematician, and music theorist, known for his contributions to music theory and his association with J.S. Bach.

French composer François-Adrien Boieldieu, known for the opera "La dame blanche", was born in Rouen.

The premiere of Gioachino Rossini's opera "Le comte Ory" took place at the Paris Opéra.

Birth of Oscar Hammerstein I, German-American opera impresario and composer who founded several opera houses, including the Manhattan Opera House and the London Opera House.

The premiere of Otto Nicolai's opera "Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor" took place in Berlin.

American soprano Rosa Raisa, renowned for her roles in Italian opera including "Turandot", was born in Białystok.

Death of Dame Ethel Smyth, English composer and suffragette, recognized for her operas and contributions to women's rights.

Death of Richard Strauss, German composer renowned for his operas such as 'Salome' and 'Der Rosenkavalier'.

Italian conductor Riccardo Muti, one of the foremost interpreters of Verdi and other operatic repertoire, made an early notable conducting appearance in Florence.