Around 1900 Merano was a popular health resort of the High Society far beyond the borders of Austria-Hungary. The people there were entertained by salon orchestras in the open air pavilion or in the “Kursaal”. In his project with Musica Saeculorum, Philipp von Steinaecker was able to rely on the original vocal material of the Meran “Kurmusik”. Laura Giordano is considered one of the most talented Italian sopranos of her generation, appreciated by audiences and critics alike both for her vocal qualities as well as her captivating stage presence and dramatic talent. Following her debut at a very young age in her native Palermo, her career soon took her to leading international opera houses in Milan, Rome, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, London, Moscow, St. Petersburg and to opera festivals in Salzburg, Florence, Santa Fe, and Pesaro.