1858
On 1858-12-20, Michael William Balfe’s opera "Satanella" premiered at the newly rebuilt Royal Opera House (Covent Garden) in London.
December 20 — On This Day in Opera
This page lists notable events in opera history that happened on December 20, including world premieres, composer births, deaths, and important milestones.
1861
On 1861-12-20, Italian opera composer Vincenzo Pucitta (composer of more than 20 operas) died in Milan.
1868
On 1868-12-20, Verdi’s "Don Carlo" was first performed at the Bolshoi (Kamenny) Theatre in Saint Petersburg by the Imperial Italian Opera Company.
1883
On 1883-12-20, Ponchielli’s "La Gioconda" received its American premiere at the Metropolitan Opera in New York (the Met’s first season).
1906
On 1906-12-20, American lyric coloratura soprano Marion Talley was born in Nevada, Missouri.
1906
On 1906-12-20, American soprano Thelma Votipka was born in Cleveland, Ohio (later one of the Met’s most-recorded comprimario performers by number of performances).
1924
On 1924-12-20, Umberto Giordano’s opera "La cena delle beffe" premiered at La Scala in Milan (conducted by Arturo Toscanini).
1986
On 1986-12-20, American operatic bass-baritone Davóne Tines was born in Portsmouth, Virginia.
2017
On 2017-12-20, American soprano and music pedagogue Marilyn Tyler died (noted for a wide opera repertoire and international career).