June 30 — On This Day in Opera

This page lists notable events in opera history that happened on June 30, including world premieres, composer births, deaths, and important milestones.

← June 29 | July 1 →

Premieres & milestones

1886

Arturo Toscanini, at age 19, made his conducting debut by leading Verdi’s Aida from memory in Rio de Janeiro during an opera company's performance.

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1985 Premiere

Dorothy Rudd Moore’s opera "Frederick Douglass" received its world premiere at Aaron Davis Hall in New York.

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Births & deaths

1685 Born

John Gay, English dramatist best remembered for the ballad opera "The Beggar’s Opera", was born in Barnstaple.

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1845 Born

Italo Campanini, Italian operatic tenor and early Metropolitan Opera leading singer, was born in Parma.

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1877 Born

Birth of Polish-American operatic soprano Bella Alten, who performed at the Metropolitan Opera House in the early 1900s.

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1998 Died

Death of Italian baritone, actor, and opera director Renato Capecchi in Milan, known for premiering roles in contemporary operas.

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1998 Died

Renato Capecchi, Italian baritone, actor, and opera director, died in Milan.

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2018 Died

Claudio Desderi, Italian baritone and opera director associated with Mozart and Rossini repertory, died in Florence.

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