In 1780, she made her debut at Teatro alla Scala in Milan, performing in three operas: Giovanni Valentini's Le nozze in contrasto, Giacomo Rust's Gli antiquari in Palmira and Giovanni Paisiello's La Frascatana, singing in mezzo-soprano register.

She then sang at Teatro San Carlo in Naples, where she had the opportunity to meet Emperor Joseph II, who later invited her to perform in Vienna.

She was seen with Mozart several times at music performances and parties; however, there is no record or any official report of collaboration by them.

Coltellini was famous for her excellent interpretation of the title role in Nina, o sia La pazza per amore by Giovanni Paisiello.

In 1792, at the age of 32, Celeste retired from the opera stage and married the Swiss banker Jean-Georges Meuricoffre who owned a bank in Naples.