1561
Birth of Jacopo Peri in Rome or Florence, Italian composer credited with writing what is considered the first opera (Dafne, c.1597) and the earliest surviving opera (Euridice, 1600).
August 20 — On This Day in Opera
This page lists notable events in opera history that happened on August 20, including world premieres, composer births, deaths, and important milestones.
1908
Death of English opera singer Louisa Bassano, known for her 19th-century career and touring with pianist Franz Liszt.
1963
Death of American coloratura soprano Mabel Garrison, a prominent singer at the Metropolitan Opera from 1914 to 1921.