1745
Birth of German bass Ludwig Fischer in Mainz, noted for roles such as Osmin in Mozart’s *Die Entführung aus dem Serail*.
August 18 — On This Day in Opera
This page lists notable events in opera history that happened on August 18, including world premieres, composer births, deaths, and important milestones.
1750
Birth of Italian composer Antonio Salieri, a leading figure in late 18th-century opera who dominated Italian-language opera in Vienna.
1838
Birth of Austrian baritone Angelo Neumann in Vienna, later notable as a Wagnerian performer and impresario.
1864
Birth of Italian soprano Gemma Bellincioni in Como, famed for creating the role of Santuzza in Mascagni’s *Cavalleria Rusticana*.