December 17 — On This Day in Opera

This page lists notable events in opera history that happened on December 17, including world premieres, composer births, deaths, and important milestones.

1770
On 1770-12-17, Ludwig van Beethoven (composer of the opera "Fidelio") was baptized in Bonn (his exact birth date is unknown, but baptismal date is documented).
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1864
On 1864-12-17, Jacques Offenbach’s opéra bouffe "La belle Hélène" had its world premiere at the Théâtre des Variétés in Paris.
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1908
On 1908-12-17, Puccini’s early opera "Le Villi" received its U.S. premiere at the Metropolitan Opera in New York (conducted by Arturo Toscanini).
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1934
On 1934-12-17, Italian soprano Mariella Adani was born (noted for Mozart and Rossini repertoire).
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1952
On 1952-12-17, Uruguayan mezzo-soprano Raquel Pierotti was born in Montevideo (known especially for Rossini and Handel coloratura roles).
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2001
On 2001-12-17, German Wagnerian soprano (later mezzo) Martha Mödl died in Stuttgart.
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2021
On 2021-12-17, Laura Kaminsky and Kimberly Reed’s opera "Hometown to the World" received its world premiere (Santa Fe Opera / Lensic Performing Arts Center, Santa Fe).
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