July 28 — On This Day in Opera

Death of Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi, noted for composing over 50 operas during his career.

German composer and conductor Friedrich Ernst Fesca, whose stage works include the opera "Cantemire", was born in Magdeburg.

Birth of Italian soprano Giulia Grisi, whose brilliant dramatic voice made her one of the great prima donnas of the 19th century.

World premiere of Louis Spohr’s grand opera "Jessonda" at the Kurfürstliches Hoftheater in Kassel.

French tenor Léon Escalaïs, one of the leading dramatic tenors of the late nineteenth century and a celebrated interpreter of Meyerbeer and Verdi, was born in Cuxac-d'Aude.

German baritone Heinrich Schlusnus, renowned for opera and Lieder performances, was born in Braubach.

American soprano Josephine Antoine, who enjoyed a long career at the Metropolitan Opera, was born in New Orleans.

Birth of American dramatic soprano Klara Barlow in New York City, known for her Wagner and Strauss heroines across major opera houses.

Death of American Wagnerian soprano Helen Traubel in Santa Monica, California; she was a leading Brünnhilde at the Metropolitan Opera.

Austrian soprano Hilde Konetzni, acclaimed for Wagner and Strauss roles at the Vienna State Opera and Bayreuth Festival, died in Vienna.