Open Features: Anna Maria Strada Del Po
Peter Wintersgill tells of a singer whom Handel invited to sing in his operas.
Born
in Bergoma, Italy, date unknown.
Adult life
Sang initially in Venice and Naples. Fetched from Italy by Handel in 1729 to sing in his operas, created many title roles for him, including Partenope (1730), Deborah (1733) and Alcina (1735). She alone stayed with Handel when the rest of the cast moved to a rival company.
Handel coached her voice, which had a large compass and wide expressive range. She was not attractive in appearance, and was often called "The Pig".
Date of death unknown.
