1685
Antonio Bernacchi, Italian castrato associated with Handel’s operas and later a noted teacher of singing, was born in Bologna.
June 21 — On This Day in Opera
This page lists notable events in opera history that happened on June 21, including world premieres, composer births, deaths, and important milestones.
1805
Birth of German composer and singer Karl Friedrich Curschmann, known for his Lieder and the opera *Abdul und Errinieh oder Toten*.
1868
Wagner’s "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg" received its world premiere at the National Theatre in Munich.
1908
Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov, composer of "The Snow Maiden", "Sadko", "The Tale of Tsar Saltan", and "The Golden Cockerel", died at Lyubensk.
1928
Judith Raskin, American lyric soprano active at the Metropolitan Opera and other major companies, was born in Yonkers, New York.
1958
Jennifer Larmore, American mezzo-soprano noted for coloratura and bel canto roles, was born in Atlanta.
2000
Death of American composer Alan Hovhaness, prolific composer of more than 400 opus numbers blending Armenian, classical, and mystical styles.
2015
Death of American composer, conductor, and horn‑player Gunther Schuller, a leading figure in bridging classical music and jazz.