July 3 — On This Day in Opera

Death of Italian castrato Marc'Antonio Pasqualini, who created leading roles in Baroque opera and influenced vocal style in Rome.

Birth of Czech composer Leoš Janáček, known for his groundbreaking operas such as *Jenůfa*, *Kat’a Kabanová*, and *The Cunning Little Vixen*.

Czech composer Leoš Janáček, later composer of "Jenůfa", "Káťa Kabanová", and "The Cunning Little Vixen", was born in Hukvaldy, Moravia.

Death of Italian tenor Josef Poniatowski, noted for his operatic performances in the mid‑19th century.

Franco Leoni's "L'oracolo" received its first performance at Covent Garden, London.

German-born Austrian conductor Carlos Kleiber, later renowned for opera performances including "Der Rosenkavalier", "Tristan und Isolde", and "La traviata", was born in Berlin.

The Santa Fe Opera opened its first season with Puccini's "Madama Butterfly".

American mezzo-soprano Lorraine Hunt Lieberson died at her home in Santa Fe.

Kaija Saariaho's "Innocence" received its world premiere at the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence.