October 17

Commissioned to celebrate the nuptials of Archduke Ferdinand of Austria and Princess Beatrice d'Este, Ascanio in Alba marked an early masterpiece from Mozart's teenage years. The two-act opera buffa featured lyrical melodies and inventive orchestration that hinted at his future genius. Premiering at Milan's Teatro Regio Ducale, it received acclaim for its graceful arias and elegant structure. Mozart's ability to blend comedic elements with refined musical expression won praise from patrons and critics alike. This success solidified his reputation as a prodigious talent and paved the way for his later operatic triumphs.

On October 17, 1969, thieves broke into the Oratory of Saint Lawrence in Palermo and stole Caravaggio’s masterpiece. The painting, created around 1600, depicts the Virgin Mary with St. Francis and St. Lawrence under a radiant light. Despite extensive investigations and media attention, the artwork has never been recovered. The theft remains one of the most notorious unsolved art crimes of the 20th century. Experts speculate that the masterpiece could fetch millions if brought to auction, fueling ongoing intrigue.