May 16 — On This Day in Opera

This page lists notable events in opera history that happened on May 16, including world premieres, composer births, deaths, and important milestones.

← May 15 | May 17 →

1754

Death of Giovanni Carlo Maria Clari, Italian Baroque composer known for his vocal music admired by Handel and Cherubini.

Source

1788

Birth of Friedrich Rückert, German poet whose texts were set to music by composers such as Mahler and Schumann.

Source

1868

Bedřich Smetana's opera "Dalibor" premiered at the New Town Theatre in Prague.

Source

1891

Richard Tauber, Austrian lyric tenor active in opera and operetta, was born.

Source

1898

"La bohème" received its New York premiere at Wallack's Theatre.

La bohème

Source

1902

Jan Kiepura, Polish operatic tenor who sang at La Scala, the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House, and other major houses, was born.

Source

1967

Alberto Ginastera's opera "Bomarzo" premiered at Lisner Auditorium in Washington, D.C.

Source

2012

Death of Maria Bieșu, Moldovan operatic soprano and People's Artist of the USSR, renowned for her performances in Puccini and Verdi roles.

Source

2025

Death of Charles Strouse, American composer best known for the musical 'Annie'; his work spanned Broadway, film, and television.

Source