July 16 — On This Day in Opera

This page lists notable events in opera history that happened on July 16, including world premieres, composer births, deaths, and important milestones.

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1816

French composer François Bazin, best known for the opera "Le voyage en Chine", was born in Marseille.

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1850

Catalan tenor Francisco Viñas, celebrated for Wagnerian roles including Tristan, Lohengrin, and Tannhäuser, was born in Moià, Spain.

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1909

American operatic soprano Dorothy Kirsten made her first public appearance as a child singer, marking the beginning of a career that would lead to the Metropolitan Opera.

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1932

Reopening of the Central City Opera House in Colorado, marking the establishment of the Central City Opera company by local women Ida Kruse McFarlane, Edna Chappell, and Anne Evans.

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1977

William Alwyn's opera "Miss Julie" received its premiere as a BBC Radio 3 broadcast.

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1990

American soprano and actress Arleen Augér died in Leusden, Netherlands.

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2025

Performance of 'Swan Lake' by the American Ballet Theatre at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City.

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