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.

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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