October 31 — On This Day in Opera

George Frideric Handel's opera "Tamerlano" received its world premiere at the King's Theatre in the Haymarket, London, opening the sixth season of the Royal Academy of Music. The opera, with a libretto adapted by Nicola Francesco Haym, featured the celebrated castrato Senesino and tenor Francesco Borosini.

Ambroise Thomas's opera "Mignon" received its Metropolitan Opera premiere in New York during the company's inaugural season. Based on Goethe's novel "Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship", the opera had originally premiered in Paris in 1866.

Paris premiere of Saint-Saëns’s "Samson et Dalila" at the Éden-Théâtre.

Pietro Mascagni's three-act opera "L'amico Fritz" received its world premiere at the Teatro Costanzi in Rome. Following the sensational success of "Cavalleria rusticana", Mascagni turned to a gentler romantic story based on a novel by Erckmann-Chatrian, with a libretto attributed to P. Suardon.

World premiere of Marc Blitzstein’s opera "Regina" at the 46th Street Theatre, New York.

World premiere of Charles Wuorinen’s opera "Haroun and the Sea of Stories" at New York City Opera.

Death of Italian composer Leonardo Leo, a key figure in Neapolitan opera.

Italian Baroque composer Leonardo Leo died in Naples at the age of 50. One of the leading figures of the Neapolitan school, he composed numerous operas, including "L'Olimpiade", "Demofoonte", and "La clemenza di Tito", as well as influential sacred music.

Death of Italian composer and violinist Francesco Maria Veracini (composer of operas and oratorios).

Italian violinist and composer Francesco Maria Veracini died in Florence. Celebrated for his extraordinary violin technique, he also composed operas including "Adriano in Siria", "La clemenza di Tito", and "Rosalinda", several of which were performed in London.

Hungarian composer Mihály Mosonyi died in Pest. A significant figure in the development of Hungarian national music, he composed the operas "Szép Ilonka" and "Álmos", incorporating Hungarian historical subjects and musical traditions.

Birth of American mezzo-soprano Eleonora de Cisneros (Metropolitan Opera principal).

English composer and music educator Sir George Alexander Macfarren died in London. A prolific composer of operas including "Robin Hood", "She Stoops to Conquer", and "Helvellyn", he served as principal of the Royal Academy of Music.

American composer Louise Talma was born in Arcachon, France. She became a pioneering figure in twentieth-century American music and composed "The Alcestiad", an opera with a libretto by Thornton Wilder that premiered in Frankfurt in 1962.

Birth of American bass-baritone Alvy R. Powell Jr.

Birth of American soprano Emily Magee.

American mezzo-soprano Kate Aldrich was born in Damariscotta, Maine. She established an international operatic career, particularly in the title role of "Carmen" and as Amneris in "Aida", as well as in operas by Rossini, Mozart, and Donizetti.

British composer and conductor Alan Bush died at the age of 94. Known for his politically engaged music, he composed several operas, including "Wat Tyler", "The Men of Blackmoor", and "Joe Hill", frequently drawing on historical and social themes.

Welsh operatic soprano Joan Carlyle died at the age of 90. A prominent member of the Royal Opera House company at Covent Garden, she was admired for her performances as Sophie in "Der Rosenkavalier", Micaëla in "Carmen", and roles in "Die Zauberflöte" and "Les Troyens".

British soprano Sarah Leonard died at the age of 71. A leading interpreter of contemporary vocal music, she appeared at La Scala in Giacomo Manzoni's "Doktor Faustus" and participated in the world premiere of Helmut Lachenmann's opera "Das Mädchen mit den Schwefelhölzern".