July 3 — On This Day in Opera

This page lists notable events in opera history that happened on July 3, including world premieres, composer births, deaths, and important milestones.

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Premieres & milestones

1905 Premiere

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

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1957

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

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2021 Premiere

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

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Births & deaths

1691 Died

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

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1854 Born

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

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1854 Born

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

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1873 Died

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

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1930 Born

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

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2006 Died

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

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