July 15 — On This Day in Opera

This page lists notable events in opera history that happened on July 15, including world premieres, composer births, deaths, and important milestones.

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Premieres & milestones

1908

Canadian soprano Louise Edvina made her professional debut at Covent Garden as Marguerite in Gounod's "Faust".

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1935

American composer Alan Hovhaness completed the one-act chamber opera "Lotus Blossom".

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1957

Recording of Puccini’s "Turandot" by Maria Callas at La Scala, directed by Vittorio Gui and conducted by Tullio Serafin, took place during July 9–15.

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1988 Premiere

Philip Glass's "1000 Airplanes on the Roof" received its world premiere at the Donaueschingen Festival in Germany.

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Births & deaths

1826 Died

Death of Italian soprano Teresa Brambilla and tenor Giovanni Ansani, both passing on this date; Brambilla was the original Gilda in Verdi’s "Rigoletto".

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1879 Born

Birth of American lyric soprano Edna de Lima (Edna Burton), who sang at Royal Opera House and Vienna Imperial Opera.

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1929 Born

Birth of American tenor Charles Anthony, record-holder for most performances at the Metropolitan Opera.

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1948 Died

Canadian soprano Louise Edvina died in London after an international career centered on Covent Garden.

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1960 Died

Death of American baritone Lawrence Tibbett, a leading star at the Metropolitan Opera.

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2000 Died

Death of Canadian dramatic baritone Louis Quilico (‘Mr. Rigoletto’), celebrated for his Verdi roles at the Met.

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2021 Died

Death of American mezzo-soprano Jean Kraft, long-time comprimaria at the Met and Santa Fe Opera.

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