November 18 — On This Day in Opera

This page lists notable events in opera history that happened on November 18, including world premieres, composer births, deaths, and important milestones.

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1786

Birth of Carl Maria von Weber, pioneering Romantic opera composer of 'Der Freischütz'.

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1836

Birth of W. S. Gilbert, librettist for the Gilbert & Sullivan comic operas.

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1862

Opening of Prague's Provisional Theatre, a key home for Czech opera in the 1860s–70s.

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1871

Birth of Amadeo (Amadeu) Vives, Spanish composer best known for the zarzuela 'Doña Francisquita'.

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1874

Birth of American tenor Riccardo Martin (born Hugh Whitfield Martin).

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1882

Birth of Amelita Galli-Curci, famed Italian coloratura soprano.

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1883

Re-inauguration of the National Theatre in Prague with Smetana’s 'Libuše'.

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1911

U.S. premiere at the Metropolitan Opera of Ludwig Thuille’s 'Lobetanz'.

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1927

World premiere of Respighi’s opera 'La campana sommersa' in Hamburg.

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1992

Death of American soprano Dorothy Kirsten in Los Angeles.

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2017

World premiere of Nico Muhly’s opera 'Marnie' at English National Opera, London.

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2022

Death of American composer Ned Rorem (Pulitzer Prize 1976; composer of operas and song).

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