April 16 — On This Day in Opera

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

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1722

Death of Johann Jacob Bach, German musician and composer, in Eisenach.

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1829

Birth of Italian baritone Francesco Graziani in Fermo, Italy. Debuted in Donizetti's 'Gemma di Vergy' (1851) and created roles in Verdi's 'La forza del destino' and Mercadante's 'Pelagio'.

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1846

Death of Domenico Dragonetti, Italian composer and double-bass virtuoso, in London.

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1849

Premiere of Giacomo Meyerbeer's opera 'Le prophète' at the Paris Opéra.

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1858

Death of Johann Baptist Cramer, German composer and pianist, in London.

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1879

Birth of German baritone Robert von Scheidt in Bremen. Created roles in Schreker's 'Die Gezeichneten' and 'Der Schatzgräber'.

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1880

Birth of Austrian soprano Elsa Bland in Vienna.

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1885

Birth of Sardinian soprano Carmen Melis. Noted for her performances in verismo operas.

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1888

American premiere of Verdi's opera 'Otello' at the Academy of Music in New York City.

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1913

Birth of English mezzo-soprano Constance Shacklock in Sherwood, Nottingham. Debuted as Mercedes in Bizet's 'Carmen' (1947).

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1918

Birth of American mezzo-soprano Carol Brice in Sedalia, North Carolina. Created roles in Blitzstein's 'Regina' and Moross's 'Gentlemen, Be Seated'.

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