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June 21 — On This Day in Opera

This page lists notable events in opera history that happened on June 21, including world premieres, composer births, deaths, and important milestones.

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Premieres & milestones

1868 Premiere
Wagner’s "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg" received its world premiere at the National Theatre in Munich.
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg
Richard Wagner
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Births & deaths

Antonio Bernacchi, Italian castrato associated with Handel’s operas and later a noted teacher of singing, was born in Bologna.
1685 Born
Antonio Bernacchi, Italian castrato associated with Handel’s operas and later a noted teacher of singing, was born in Bologna.
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1805 Born
Birth of German composer and singer Karl Friedrich Curschmann, known for his Lieder and the opera *Abdul und Errinieh oder Toten*.
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Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov, composer of "The Snow Maiden", "Sadko", "The Tale of Tsar Saltan", and "The Golden Cockerel", died at Lyubensk.
1908 Died
Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov, composer of "The Snow Maiden", "Sadko", "The Tale of Tsar Saltan", and "The Golden Cockerel", died at Lyubensk.
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1928 Born
Judith Raskin, American lyric soprano active at the Metropolitan Opera and other major companies, was born in Yonkers, New York.
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Jennifer Larmore, American mezzo-soprano noted for coloratura and bel canto roles, was born in Atlanta.
1958 Born
Jennifer Larmore, American mezzo-soprano noted for coloratura and bel canto roles, was born in Atlanta.
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2000 Died
Death of American composer Alan Hovhaness, prolific composer of more than 400 opus numbers blending Armenian, classical, and mystical styles.
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2015 Died
Death of American composer, conductor, and horn‑player Gunther Schuller, a leading figure in bridging classical music and jazz.
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