In 1958, Callas was due to inaugurate the season in Rome with Bellini's ‘Norma’ but 46 hours before curtain-up, she had lost her voice. The management of the Opera House was immediately informed but as it was a Callas Gala in the presence of the President they had not thought about a replacement. Callas sang the first act and then walked out...This created a scandal of incredible proportions. Anita Cerquetti replaced Callas for the other performances.