Tarquinia Tarquini

Born in Colle di Val d'Elsa, Tarquini studied singing at the Milan Conservatory and privately in Florence.

In 1907 Tarquini was brought to the United States by impresario Henry Russell to join his Boston-based San Carlo Opera Company.

That same year she also performed the title role in the United States premiere of Adriana Lecouvreur at the French Opera House in New Orleans.

She drew particular acclaim for her portrayal of the title role in Richard Strauss's Salome and, being a good dancer, was notably one of the first opera singers to perform the Dance of the Seven Veils herself; a move which shocked some conservative critics.

On 14 October 1911 Tarquini portrayed the title role in the world premiere of Zandonai's Conchita at the Teatro Dal Verme in Milan.