August 4 — On This Day in Opera

Birth of French tenor Louis Nourrit, noted for his performances in Gluck’s operas and father of the celebrated Adolphe Nourrit.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "Die Entführung aus dem Serail" received its world premiere at the Burgtheater in Vienna.

Death of English soprano Adelaide Kemble, famed for her Norma and advocacy for opera in the 19th century.

Composer Louis-Victorin Joncières, remembered for the operas "Dimitri" and "Le Chevalier Jean", was born in Paris.

Birth of Czech opera singer and teacher Božena Kacerovská, who performed internationally and later taught in Paris.

American soprano and Metropolitan Opera star Helen Jepson was born in Titusville, Pennsylvania.

Italian soprano Gabriella Tucci was born in Rome; she became particularly celebrated for Verdi and Puccini roles and appeared at the Metropolitan Opera for thirteen seasons.

American dramatic soprano Deborah Voigt was born in Illinois; she became internationally known for leading roles in operas by Wagner and Richard Strauss.

American mezzo-soprano Susan Graham, acclaimed for her performances in French and Mozart repertoire at major international opera houses, was born in Roswell, New Mexico.

Dmitri Shostakovich, whose stage works include the operas "The Nose" and "Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District", died in Moscow.

Death of American coloratura soprano Patrice Munsel, youngest star to debut at the Metropolitan Opera at age 17.