1857
Birth of American dramatic soprano Lillian Nordica (born Lillian Allen Norton) in Farmington, Maine, on 12 December 1857.
December 12 — On This Day in Opera
This page lists notable events in opera history that happened on December 12, including world premieres, composer births, deaths, and important milestones.
1896
Premiere of Ruperto Chapí's zarzuela "Las bravías" at the Teatro Apolo in Madrid on 12 December 1896.
1900
Birth of English heldentenor Arthur Carron (born Arthur Cox) in Swindon on 12 December 1900.
1906
Birth of German heldentenor Ludwig Suthaus in Cologne on 12 December 1906, later renowned for his Wagnerian roles.
1925
Premiere of Francisco Alonso's zarzuela "La calesera" at the Teatro de la Zarzuela in Madrid on 12 December 1925.
1946
The newly formed Covent Garden Opera Company (later The Royal Opera) makes its debut in a joint production with the Sadler's Wells Ballet of Purcell's semi-opera "The Fairy Queen" at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, on 12 December 1946.
1959
Death of American operatic soprano Marcella Craft in Riverside, California, on 12 December 1959.
1961
The Royal Opera in London opens a production of Igor Stravinsky's stage melodrama "Perséphone" on 12 December 1961.
1985
Birth of French coloratura soprano Sabine Devieilhe in Ifs, Calvados, France, on 12 December 1985.
1993
Death of English contralto and opera singer Mary Jarred in Beckenham, Kent, on 12 December 1993.
1993
Death of English soprano Joan Cross, closely associated with the operas of Benjamin Britten, in Aldeburgh on 12 December 1993.