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.

1754
Death of Giovanni Carlo Maria Clari, Italian Baroque composer known for his vocal music admired by Handel and Cherubini.
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1788
Birth of Friedrich Rückert, German poet whose texts were set to music by composers such as Mahler and Schumann.
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1868
Bedřich Smetana's opera "Dalibor" premiered at the New Town Theatre in Prague.
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1891
Richard Tauber, Austrian lyric tenor active in opera and operetta, was born.
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1898
"La bohème" received its New York premiere at Wallack's Theatre.
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1902
Jan Kiepura, Polish operatic tenor who sang at La Scala, the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House, and other major houses, was born.
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1967
Alberto Ginastera's opera "Bomarzo" premiered at Lisner Auditorium in Washington, D.C.
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2012
Death of Maria Bieșu, Moldovan operatic soprano and People's Artist of the USSR, renowned for her performances in Puccini and Verdi roles.
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2025
Death of Charles Strouse, American composer best known for the musical 'Annie'; his work spanned Broadway, film, and television.
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