October 29 — On This Day in Opera

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's opera "Don Giovanni", with a libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte, received its world premiere at the Estates Theatre in Prague, conducted by Mozart himself.

Vincenzo Bellini's opera "I puritani" received its Metropolitan Opera premiere in New York, featuring Marcella Sembrich as Elvira and Roberto Stagno as Arturo, conducted by Auguste Vianesi.

Maria Callas made her Metropolitan Opera debut in New York, singing the title role in Bellini's "Norma" on the opening night of the company's season. Mario Del Monaco sang Pollione, Fedora Barbieri sang Adalgisa, and Fausto Cleva conducted.

Leonard Bernstein's operetta "Candide", based on Voltaire's novel, began its pre-Broadway trial run at the Colonial Theatre in Boston. Tyrone Guthrie directed and Samuel Krachmalnick conducted; the official Broadway opening followed in December.

Birth of Italian composer Tito Azzolini, known for his operas in the verismo style, though now largely forgotten.

Austrian composer and diplomat Johann Vesque von Püttlingen, who wrote nine operas, including "Turandot" and "Liebeszauber", died in Vienna.

French composer Emmanuel Bondeville was born in Rouen. He composed the operas "L'École des maris" and "Antoine et Cléopâtre", as well as the lyrical drama "Madame Bovary", and later directed the Paris Opéra.

Canadian dramatic tenor Jon Vickers was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. He became internationally renowned for his portrayals of Tristan in "Tristan und Isolde", Florestan in "Fidelio", Peter Grimes in "Peter Grimes", and the title role in "Otello".

Death of Polish soprano Emilia Czapówna-Mączyńska, noted for her interpretations of Polish operatic repertoire.

Estonian composer Eugen Kapp died in Tallinn. A major figure in twentieth-century Estonian music, he composed the opera "Flames of Revenge" and served as rector of the Tallinn Conservatory.

Italian dramatic tenor Franco Corelli died in Milan at the age of 82. Celebrated for his powerful voice and commanding stage presence, he was especially associated with "Tosca", "Turandot", "Il trovatore", and "Andrea Chénier".

Albanian baritone and composer Avni Mula died in Tirana at the age of 92. A pioneering figure in Albanian opera, he performed major operatic roles and composed works including "Borana" and "Nëna e trimave".