1705
Premiere of Reinhard Keiser’s singspiel *Octavia* at the Oper am Gänsemarkt in Hamburg.
August 5 — On This Day in Opera
This page lists notable events in opera history that happened on August 5, including world premieres, composer births, deaths, and important milestones.
1801
Birth of French composer Ambroise Thomas, later known for his operas *Mignon* (1866) and *Hamlet* (1868).
2005
Death of American actress and avant‑garde opera singer Jane Lawrence Smith in New York City.