August 20 — On This Day in Opera

Italian conductor Nino Sanzogno led the world premiere of Vittorio Rieti's opera "Teresa nel bosco" at the Teatro La Fenice in Venice.

Birth of Jacopo Peri in Rome or Florence, Italian composer credited with writing what is considered the first opera (Dafne, c.1597) and the earliest surviving opera (Euridice, 1600).

American composer Benjamin Edward Woolf was born in London. His stage works included the comic operas "The Mighty Dollar", "Pounce & Co.", and "Westward Ho!".

Polish composer Karol Kątski was born in Warsaw. His output included operas and operettas as well as orchestral and piano works.

German composer and conductor Hermann Abendroth was born in Frankfurt am Main. Closely associated with the German operatic and orchestral tradition, he conducted at major German opera houses and festivals.

American soprano Ebe Stignani was born in Naples. One of the leading Italian mezzo-sopranos of her generation, she became especially renowned for roles in "Aida", "Il trovatore", "Don Carlo", "Norma", and "La favorita".

Death of English opera singer Louisa Bassano, known for her 19th-century career and touring with pianist Franz Liszt.

American composer and conductor David Ward-Steinman was born in Louisiana. His compositions included the chamber opera "The Tale of Issoum-boshi".

Death of American coloratura soprano Mabel Garrison, a prominent singer at the Metropolitan Opera from 1914 to 1921.

Czech mezzo-soprano Zdenka Ziková died in Prague. She performed at the National Theatre in Prague and was known for roles in Czech and international opera.