In 2001, 12 renowned divas of song from all over the world gathered in the world-famous Greek amphitheater in Taormina, Italy, under the direction of André Heller. This “Festival of the Last Prima Donnas” celebrated the talents of American soprano Jessye Norman, the “Voice of America” Ami Koita, Dee Dee Bridgewater, regarded as the “new Ella Fitzgerald”, Israeli pop singer Noa and her Palestinian counterpart Amal Murkus, as well as Esma Reszepova, known as the “Edith Piaf of the Gypsies”, and Neapolitan singer Lina Sastri “the incarnation of Italy’s songs”.