March 8 — On This Day in Opera

"Roland" (Jean-Baptiste Lully; libretto Philippe Quinault) began its run at the Paris Opéra’s public theatre (Théâtre du Palais-Royal) after earlier court performances at Versailles.

"L’Amant anonyme" (Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges) premiered in Paris at the Théâtre de Mme. de Montesson.

"The Canterbury Pilgrims" (Reginald De Koven; libretto Percy MacKaye) received its world premiere at the Metropolitan Opera House (New York).

Welsh tenor Robert Tear was born (noted for major operatic work including at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden).

American operatic lyric soprano and operetta star Alice Nielsen died.