July 22 — On This Day in Opera

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

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Premieres & milestones

1844 Premiere

Richard Wagner conducted the first performance of his concert work "Faust Overture" in Dresden, a composition originally intended as the opening movement of a Faust Symphony.

Richard Wagner

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1847 Premiere

World premiere of Giuseppe Verdi’s opera "I masnadieri" at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London, conducted by the composer.

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1933

Caterina Jarboro became the first Black prima donna of a U.S. opera company when she sang the title role in *Aida* at the Metropolitan Opera House.

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Births & deaths

1814 Born

German composer and conductor Julius Rietz, remembered for the opera "Georg Neumark" and for championing the music of Mendelssohn, was born in Berlin.

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1822 Born

Italian composer, conductor, and violinist Luigi Arditi, best known for the operas "La spia" and "I briganti", was born in Crescentino.

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1886 Died

Death of Austrian bass‑baritone Emil Scaria, notable for originating the role of Gurnemanz in Wagner’s "Parsifal".

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1888 Born

Italian baritone Carlo Galeffi, celebrated for Verdi roles including "Rigoletto", "Falstaff", and "Simon Boccanegra", was born in Malalbergo.

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1909 Born

Birth of Italian-American soprano Licia Albanese, renowned for her interpretations of lyric Verdi and Puccini roles at the Metropolitan Opera.

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1980 Died

German conductor Eugen Jochum, acclaimed for his interpretations of Wagner, Mozart, and Richard Strauss operas, died in Munich.

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