November 15, 1926: Samson Et Dalila First Broadcast

November 15, 1926: The first professional radio opera, Samson Et Dalila was aired for the first time on KYW radio, Chicago, IL from the Chicago Auditorium.  BBC started its domestic radio service on this day in 1922.

Samson and Delilah came from the French The Opera Scenes by Camille Saint-Saëns, who was known as the greatest French Romantic composer. Samson et Dalila was originally planned as an oratorio based on the biblical story of Samson and Delila, but later on the story was adapted for a full opera.

For additional classical and opera radio shows, see also:

• Andre Kostelanetz Show
• Bell Telephone Hour Encores
• Chicago Theater of the Air
• Concert Hall
• Enchanted Hour
• Hour of Charm
• Metropolitan Opera
• Telephone Hour (Music From America)
• The Magic Key
• Lauritz Melchoir Collection
• Voice of Firestone