po_Albanese-LiciaLicia Albanese (July 22, 1913 – August 15, 2014) was an Italian-born American operatic soprano.

Noted especially for her portrayals of the lyric heroines of Verdi and Puccini, Albanese was a leading artist with the Metropolitan Opera of New York from 1940 to 1966. She also made many recordings and is chairman of The Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation which is dedicated to assisting young artists and singers.