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December 21 — On This Day in Opera

This page lists notable events in opera history that happened on December 21, including world premieres, composer births, deaths, and important milestones.

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Premieres & milestones

1913 Premiere
On 1913-12-21, Wagner’s opera "Parsifal" received its Russian premiere at the People’s House of Emperor Nicholas II in St Petersburg (Sheremetev’s Musical Historical Society).
Parsifal
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1950 Premiere
On 1950-12-21, Tchaikovsky’s "The Queen of Spades" ("Pikovaya dama") had its Royal Opera House / Covent Garden Opera Company premiere in London.
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2019 Premiere
On 2019-12-21, Hans Abrahamsen’s opera "The Snow Queen" had the first performance of its English version at the Bavarian State Opera in Munich.
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Births & deaths

1937 Died
On 1937-12-21, Georgian opera singer and composer Meliton Balanchivadze (a founder figure of Georgian opera music) died in Kutaisi.
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1953 Born
On 1953-12-21, American operatic soprano Nadine Secunde was born (later known for major Strauss and Wagner roles).
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1972 Born
On 1972-12-21, Uruguayan operatic bass-baritone Erwin Schrott was born in Montevideo (noted for roles including Mozart’s Don Giovanni).
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