October 27 — On This Day in Opera

François-André Danican Philidor's three-act tragédie lyrique "Persée", with a libretto by Jean-François Marmontel adapted from Philippe Quinault, received its world premiere at the Académie royale de musique in Paris.

The Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin opened as the new home of the Paris Opera with a performance of Niccolò Piccinni's "Adèle de Ponthieu". The theater had been constructed rapidly following the destruction of the Opéra's previous home by fire.

Vincenzo Bellini's two-act opera "Il pirata", with a libretto by Felice Romani, received its world premiere at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. The opera marked a major breakthrough in Bellini's career.

French-language adaptation of Verdi's "La traviata" presented as "Violetta" at the Théâtre Lyrique, Paris (with Christina Nilsson).

Italian premiere of Verdi's "Don Carlos" at the Teatro Comunale di Bologna, conducted by Angelo Mariani.

Léon Vasseur's three-act opéra-comique "La Cruche cassée", with a libretto by Jules Moinaux and Jules Noriac, received its world premiere at the Théâtre Taitbout in Paris.

A state funeral was held at the Church of La Madeleine in Paris for Charles Gounod, the French composer of "Faust", "Roméo et Juliette", and "Mireille". In accordance with his wishes, the musical service featured plainchant.

World premiere of Michael Tippett's opera "New Year" at Houston Grand Opera.

Michael Tippett's fifth and final opera "New Year", with a libretto written by the composer, received its world premiere at Houston Grand Opera's Cullen Theater in the Wortham Theater Center. The work combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary urban life.

Nancy Storace, English operatic soprano who created the role of Susanna in Mozart's "Le nozze di Figaro", was born in London.

Birth of American coloratura soprano Josephine Antoine (Metropolitan Opera, 1936–1948).

Dominick Argento, American composer celebrated for his operas "Postcard from Morocco", "The Aspern Papers", and "Casanova's Homecoming", was born in York, Pennsylvania.

Birth of American tenor and voice teacher Robert White.

Edda Moser, German operatic soprano particularly celebrated for her interpretation of the Queen of the Night in Mozart's "Die Zauberflöte", was born in Berlin.

Death of soprano Alma Gluck in New York.

Franco Alfano, Italian composer of "Risurrezione", "La leggenda di Sakùntala", and "Cyrano de Bergerac", died in Sanremo. He is also remembered for completing Giacomo Puccini's unfinished opera "Turandot".

Birth of Swedish coloratura soprano Kerstin Avemo (noted for roles including Lulu and Violetta).

Birth of American composer Missy Mazzoli (known for operas such as "Breaking the Waves" and "Proving Up").

Walter Berry, Austrian bass-baritone celebrated for his performances in Mozart, Wagner, and Richard Strauss operas, died in Vienna. A longtime member of the Vienna State Opera, he was especially admired for his interpretations of "Wozzeck" and "Don Giovanni".

Hans Werner Henze, influential German opera composer whose works include "Boulevard Solitude", "Elegy for Young Lovers", "The Bassarids", and "Der Prinz von Homburg", died in Dresden.