Galli, Caterina (c. 1723–1804)

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Galli, Caterina (c. 1723–1804)

Italian mezzo-soprano. Born in Italy c. 1723; died in London, England, 1804.

Arrived in London (1742), appearing at the King's Theatre in Brivio's Mandane; sang for Handel at Covent Garden (1747–54), creating mostly male roles in Joshua, Solomon and Jephtha; sang in Genoa, Venice, and Naples (1754–63); became companion of the celebrated Martha Ray, a singer and mistress of the earl of Sandwich, who strongly influenced naval appointments; was in attendance when Ray was assassinated by James Hackman (April 7, 1779), while leaving Covent Garden Theatre.

See also Women in World History.