August 16 — On This Day in Opera

Composer Gioachino Rossini married his second wife, the artist's model Olympe Pélissier.

Giuseppe Verdi's "Aroldo", a substantial reworking of his earlier opera "Stiffelio" with a libretto by Francesco Maria Piave, received its world premiere at the Teatro Nuovo in Rimini.

Richard Wagner’s opera "Siegfried" premiered at the opening of the Bayreuth Festspielhaus as part of his monumental "Ring" cycle.

French composer and conductor Gabriel Pierné was born in Metz. His output included opera and music-theatre works as well as ballet, orchestral, chamber, and sacred music.

American dramatic soprano Sharon Sweet was born in New York City. She became known internationally for demanding Verdi, Wagner, and Richard Strauss roles.

American soprano Gianna Rolandi was born in New York City. She became particularly associated with coloratura repertoire and later served as director of the Lyric Opera of Chicago's Ryan Opera Center.

Italian soprano and opera director Renata Scotto died in Savona at the age of 89. A major twentieth-century interpreter of Italian opera, she made 314 appearances at the Metropolitan Opera.