(Credit: Norbert Meyn)

Mezzo-soprano Laura Sarti has died at 102.

Born in Trieste, Northern Italy, her family emigrated to Egypt during World War II, from where she moved to Britain.

In Britain, she began her vocal studies  and began her operatic career at Glyndebourne where she was chosen by Maestro Gui for the role of Berta in a production and EMI recording of “The Barber of Seville.”

Sarti also sang the role of Messaggera in the Erato recording of Monteverdi’s “L’Orfeo,” which was awarded the International Disc Prize.

Sarti became a founder cast member of the Scottish Opera and Kent Opera and went on to appear at the Wexford, Bregenz and Festival Aix-en-Provence and went on to perform over 30 roles.

Her extensive broadcasting experience included de Falla’s “La Vida Breve” with Margaret Price in the first BBC colour television opera.

Sarti was also an acclaimed recitalist and as part of the “Benvenuto Duo” (which she formed together with the soprano Claire Walmesley and accompanist Paul Hamburger), she built a reputation for innovative recital design.

Outside of the stage, she she became a professor and Fellow of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. She also gave masterclasses in Britain, France, Switzerland, Sweden, Germany and Ireland.