Caterina Galli

Caterina Galli (c. 1723 – 1804 ) was an Italian operatic mezzo-soprano. She first rose to fame in England in the 1740s and early 1750s where she was particularly admired for her performances in the works of George Frideric Handel. She then enjoyed success in her native country in the 1750s and 1760s, before returning to England, where she remained active as a performer up through 1797.

Early life and career Nothing is known of Galli's early training and career other than that it took place in her native country. The first definitive account of the singer was in 1742 when she arrived in London with fellow opera singer Giulia Frasi. She made her first appearance on the London stage on 12 December 1742 as Artaserse in the world premiere of Giuseppe Ferdinando Brivio's Mandane. Music historian Charles Burney wrote that, "Galli, after transplantation from Italy, took root in this country, and remained here in great public favor for many years." Her operatic repertoire consisted mainly of breeches roles. In 1753, she sang the role of the Spirit in the premiere of the final revision of Thomas Arne's Alfred. Mysliveček was still a resident of Prague when Galli performed in the opera theatre there between 1760 and 1762.

Later life and career in England After 1770, Galli was once again committed to the London stage. She had a particular triumph as the contralto soloist in Handel's Messiah at the Haymarket Theatre in 1773. Galli came out of retirement in her 60s when she began to experience financial difficulties. She appeared as an oratorio singer and in operas at Covent Garden as late as 1797 when she was 70 years old. These later performances, however, were not as well-received as those during her earlier career. She lived in London until her death in 1804.