In operatic history, one of the great examples of the old adage, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again,” is the career of the French composer Georges Bizet. Bizet died at the age of 36 in 1875, the same year his opera “Carmen” premiered. Now, “Carmen” eventually proved a lasting success and now ranks as one of the great masterworks of French opera—but poor Monsieur Bizet wasn’t around to experience any of that.

Moreover, “Carmen” was preceded by Bizet’s no less than 30 attempts writing a hit opera. Most of these never made it to the stage, and the few that did achieved only a modest success.

The most famous of the “pre-Carmen” operas Bizet penned premiered on today’s date in 1863. It was a Romantic tale set in exotic Ceylon, entitled “Les pêcheurs de perles,” or “The Pearl Fishers.” This was a commission from the Théâtre Lyrique in Paris, and a prestigious opportunity for the 20-something composer to showcase his talents.

“The Pearl Fishers” ran for 18 performances in 1863, and, although applauded by its initial audiences, was roundly panned by the press. Only one music critic saw any merit in Bizet’s music, and that critic just happened to be the great French Romantic composer Hector Berlioz.

Even so, Bizet’s “Pearl Fishers” wasn’t revived until long after Bizet’s death, and some 30 years after its premiere. Today, after “Carmen” of course, it’s Bizet’s SECOND most popular opera.