"Well, in the 50's I went to Italy and a very important critic said to me, "Madame Sumac, with all due respect, here in Italy we have the greatest singers in the world. So do not expect the same kind of reviews you received everywhere else in the world." I raised one eyebrow, but said nothing. That night, I did 'The Magical Flute' and my voice was the flute! I got a standing ovation for over 20 minutes! Afterwards the critic did not come to my dressing room to visit...he left!"

(Yma Sumac nata Zoila Augusta Emperatriz Chávarri del Castillo, cantante con un'estensione vocale di 4 o 5 ottave; Ichocán, 13 settembre 1922 – Los Angeles, 1º novembre 2008)