June 20 — On This Day in Opera

This page lists notable events in opera history that happened on June 20, including world premieres, composer births, deaths, and important milestones.

1819
Birth of French operetta pioneer Jacques Offenbach in Cologne, composer of operettas like 'Orpheus in the Underworld' and the opera 'The Tales of Hoffmann'.
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1885
Birth of American Wagnerian soprano Helen Traubel in St. Louis, later renowned at the Metropolitan Opera.
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1940
Death of American coloratura soprano Emma Nevada in San Francisco, celebrated for her performances in Bellini's 'La sonnambula'.
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2021
Death of American coloratura soprano Gianna Rolandi in Chicago, former principal soprano of New York City Opera.
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