August 21 — On This Day in Opera

Gaetano Donizetti's one-act comic opera "Betly, o La capanna svizzera", for which the composer wrote both the music and libretto, received its world premiere at the Teatro Nuovo in Naples.

Iannis Xenakis's "Oresteia" received its world stage premiere at Gibellina in Sicily, with Michel Tabachnik and Dominique Debart conducting.

Keiichiro Shibuya's opera "Super Angels" received its world premiere at the New National Theatre, Tokyo, combining opera singers, ballet dancers, children's choruses, orchestra, video, and the android Alter 3.

Death of singer and actress Annie Kemp Bowler after a backstage accident during rehearsals of the theatrical-opera hybrid "The Black Crook" in Philadelphia.

Birth of Italian conductor Renato Fasano, founder of I Virtuosi di Roma, an ensemble known for historically informed performance.

Birth of English operatic mezzo-soprano Dame Janet Baker, celebrated for her vivid vocal expression and luminous stage presence.

English mezzo-soprano Dame Janet Baker was born in Hatfield, Yorkshire. She became one of the leading singers of her generation, particularly celebrated in operas by Gluck, Mozart, Berlioz, Britten, and Handel.

Death of American mezzo-soprano Tatiana Troyanos, “one of the defining singers of her generation.”

American mezzo-soprano Tatiana Troyanos died in New York City. A major Metropolitan Opera artist, she was acclaimed in roles including Octavian in "Der Rosenkavalier", Eboli in "Don Carlo", Venus in "Tannhäuser", and Didon in "Les Troyens".