Ascanio in Alba, one of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s early operas, premiered at the Teatro Regio Ducale in Milan. Composed in 1771 when Mozart was just 15 years old, this opera was commissioned to celebrate the marriage of the Archduke Ferdinand of Austria and Maria Beatrice d'Este. The work is structured as a serenata, a form characterized by its lightness and lyrical beauty, often performed outdoors or in social gatherings rather than in formal opera houses. This opera consists of an elaborate libretto by the famous Italian poet Pietro Metastasio, who was highly regarded in the lyrical tradition of the time.

The performance featured a mixture of captivating arias and duets, showcasing Mozart's budding genius in orchestration and melody. The narrative follows the story of Ascanio, a young hero who must navigate the complexities of love, rivalries, and parental expectations. The successful premiere not only received positive reviews for its charming music but also set the stage for Mozart's future endeavors in the operatic sphere. His ability to convey deep emotional narratives through music was already evident, marking him as a standout composer among his contemporaries.

The premiere's reception played a crucial role in Mozart's ascent within the vibrant cultural scene of Milan. The support from the local nobility and the enthusiastic audience responses were instrumental in solidifying his position as a composer to watch. This accomplishment foreshadowed Mozart’s later successes, including full-length operas that would come to define the genre, such as The Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni.