1761
Birth of German operatic bass Ignaz Saal, long‑time member of the Imperial Court Theatre in Vienna and performer in the premiere of Beethoven’s *Fidelio*.
July 26 — On This Day in Opera
This page lists notable events in opera history that happened on July 26, including world premieres, composer births, deaths, and important milestones.
1866
Birth of Italian opera composer Francesco Cilea in Palmi, Calabria, best known for the operas *Adriana Lecouvreur* and *L’Arlesiana*.
1882
First complete performance (world premiere) of Wagner’s final opera *Parsifal* at the Bayreuth Festival, conducted under the composer's supervision.