December 15 — On This Day in Opera

Birth of French operatic soprano Antoinette Saint-Huberty (Anne-Antoinette Clavel) in Strasbourg, later a leading prima donna of the Paris Opéra.

World premiere of Gaspare Spontini's opera "La vestale" at the Paris Opéra (Salle Montansier) in Paris.

World premiere of Peter Cornelius's comic opera "Der Barbier von Bagdad" at the Hoftheater in Weimar, conducted by Franz Liszt.

Death of German-born operatic soprano Betty Vio in Turin, noted for her work in Italian opera houses in the mid-19th century.

Birth of German operatic soprano Hilde Zadek in Bromberg (now Bydgoszcz), who became a star of the Vienna State Opera and later an influential voice teacher.

Birth of Bulgarian-Italian soprano Raina Kabaivanska in Burgas, renowned for her interpretations of Verdi, Puccini, and verismo roles.

Death of Danish operatic tenor Vilhelm Herold in Copenhagen, long associated with the Royal Danish Theatre and later active as a stage director and painter.

Birth of German soprano Hildegard Uhrmacher in Moers, who sang at major German opera houses and later taught voice.

Birth of German bass-baritone Lars Woldt in Herford, active as an opera and concert singer in Germany and internationally.

Death of American tenor Jan Peerce in New Rochelle, New York; he was a leading tenor at the Metropolitan Opera and a noted concert and recording artist.

World premiere of Franghiz Ali-Zadeh's opera "Karabakhname" at the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater in Baku.

Death of Mexican operatic soprano and environmental activist Enriqueta Legorreta in Mexico City.

Death of German mezzo-soprano Stella Doufexis in Berlin, admired for her opera, concert, and lieder performances.