June 22 — On This Day in Opera

This page lists notable events in opera history that happened on June 22, including world premieres, composer births, deaths, and important milestones.

Premieres & milestones

1826 Premiere
Rossini’s "Adina" was first performed at the Teatro de São Carlos in Lisbon.
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Births & deaths

Étienne-Nicolas Méhul, French composer important in the development of French opera, was born in Givet.
1763 Born
Étienne-Nicolas Méhul, French composer important in the development of French opera, was born in Givet.
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1885 Born
Florence Hinkle, American operatic soprano who toured with the Metropolitan Opera Company, was born in Columbia, Pennsylvania.
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1910 Born
Birth of British tenor Sir Peter Pears, creator of leading roles in Britten’s operas such as *Peter Grimes*, *Albert Herring*, *Billy Budd*, *The Turn of the Screw* and *Death in Venice*.
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1957 Died
Death of Australian opera singer and silent‑film actress Vera Doria (born Veronica Eyton).
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Darius Milhaud, French composer of operas including "Christophe Colomb" and "Bolivar", died in Geneva.
1974 Died
Darius Milhaud, French composer of operas including "Christophe Colomb" and "Bolivar", died in Geneva.
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1989 Died
Anton Dermota, Slovene lyric tenor long associated with the Vienna State Opera and Mozart repertory, died in Vienna.
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2021 Died
Death of South African composer Mzilikazi Khumalo, known for choral and operatic works and academic contributions.
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2021 Died
Mzilikazi Khumalo, South African composer associated with "Princess Magogo kaDinuzulu", died after a long illness.
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