May 31 — On This Day in Opera

Death of Joseph Haydn, Austrian composer known as the 'Father of the Symphony' and 'Father of the String Quartet', who also contributed significantly to the development of opera. His stage works include the operas "Armida", "L'infedeltà delusa", and "Il mondo della luna", died.

Gounod's opera "La nonne sanglante" received its world premiere at the Salle Le Peletier of the Paris Opéra.

Death of Vatroslav Lisinski, Croatian composer of the first Croatian opera 'Love and Malice' (1846).

Pope Pius XI, born Achille Ratti, who later wrote the libretto for the opera "Pier Luigi Farnese" before entering the priesthood, was born.

Birth of Attilio Parelli, Italian composer and conductor known for his opera 'I dispettosi amanti' and for being the first to broadcast a full opera on Italian radio.

Birth of Italo Montemezzi, Italian composer known for his opera 'L'amore dei tre re' (The Love of the Three Kings).

Premiere of Giacomo Puccini's first opera, 'Le Villi', at the Teatro Dal Verme in Milan.

Death of Franz Strauss, German horn virtuoso and composer, and father of Richard Strauss.

Clément Philibert Léo Delibes, composer of the opera "Lakmé", was commemorated on the centenary of his death with performances at the Opéra-Comique.

Birth of Shirley Verrett, American mezzo-soprano opera singer celebrated for her versatility and powerful performances.

Frederica von Stade gave her farewell staged opera performance as the Countess in Tchaikovsky's "The Queen of Spades" at Houston Grand Opera.