Anita Cerquetti

Anita Cerquetti, born April 13, 1931, in Montecosaro, Italy, was an Italian opera soprano singer. She trained at the Liceo Musicale Morlacchi in Perugia and debuted in concert in 1949. Her stage debut came in 1951 as Aida in Giuseppe Verdi's opera Aida at Spoleto. Cerquetti performed extensively throughout Italy, including notable roles such as Abigaille in Nabucco at Florence in 1955. She also sang internationally at venues like the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. Her career included stepping in for Maria Callas as Norma at the Rome Opera in January 1958. Cerquetti retired from performing in 1960 due to vocal difficulties. She passed away on October 11, 2014.