July 15 — On This Day in Opera

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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