Maria Callas, born on 2 December 1923 in New York City, captivated both audiences and critics alike with her exceptional vocal technique and dramatic prowess. Her repertoire ranged from classical operas to bel canto works, masterpieces by Verdi, Puccini, and even Wagner. She was hailed as "La Divina" - a true icon of the opera world. Pictured here during rehearsals for her role in "Medea" at Covent Garden in June 1959.
An Unhappy Childhood Callas often spoke of her troubled childhood. Her mother recognised her musical talent at a young age and pushed her into singing lessons. However, her parent's marriage ended, and Maria moved to Greece with her mother and sister, where she received her musical education.
A Model Student Her teacher described her as "a model student - fanatical, uncompromising, and dedicated to her studies with her heart and soul." Maria's progress was astounding, spending five to six hours daily on her music. Within six months, she mastered the most challenging arias in the international opera repertoire with remarkable musicality.
The "God-Given" After several student performances, Callas began appearing in secondary roles at the Greek National Opera. Her professional debut came in February 1941, and within a year, she took on her first leading role as Tosca. Even her detractors couldn't deny her extraordinary talent, eventually referring to her as "The God-Given."
The Turning Point Her career's turning point occurred in Venice in 1949 when she stepped in to cover a soprano role in "I puritani." She triumphed with only six days to prepare, propelling her to debut at La Scala Milan two years later. The theatre became her artistic home throughout the 1950s, where she starred in numerous productions directed by luminaries like Luchino Visconti.
Star at La Scala La Scala honoured Callas with lavish new productions, and her performances enchanted audiences worldwide. Her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1956 was met with unflattering press, but her brilliance on stage prevailed. Callas formed a lasting bond with her London audience, captivating them with her exceptional artistry in numerous performances.
An Outstanding Tosca At the Royal Opera House in 1965, Callas marked the end of her stage career in the role of Tosca, accompanied by her friend Tito Gobbi in a production by Franco Zeffirelli. After mid-career weight loss, which might have impacted her vocal decline, Callas faced difficulties as an artist due to her unwavering intelligence and determination.
Socialite and Scandal Callas was no stranger to controversy, often making headlines for her personal life. She was involved in a well-publicized affair with shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, which ended in 1968 when he married Jacqueline Kennedy.
Starring in Medea In 1969, Callas took on her only non-operatic acting role as the mythological character of Medea, directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini. Despite the challenges, her dramatic ability and magnetic presence shone through, preserving her legacy as one of classical music's best-selling vocalists.
An Enduring Legacy In her final years, Callas lived in isolation in Paris and passed away at the age of 53 on 16 September 1977 from a heart attack. Her ashes were scattered over the Aegean Sea, off the coast of Greece, fulfilling her final wish. Maria Callas's unparalleled talent and dramatic artistry continue to inspire audiences and musicians worldwide, making her legend endure.
