40 Facts About Maria Callas

Early Life and Family

Maria Callas, known as "La Divina," had a fascinating early life that shaped her future in opera.

1. Maria Callas was born Maria Anna Cecilia Sophia Kalogeropoulou on December 2, 1923, in New York City.
2. Her parents, Evangelia and Konstantinos Kalogeropoulos, were Greek immigrants who settled in Manhattan.
3. Evangelia, her mother, was a significant influence, pushing Maria towards a singing career despite financial hardships.

Musical Education

Callas's musical journey began at a young age, setting the stage for her legendary career.

4. At 13, Maria started her musical education at the Athens Conservatory in Greece.
5. She studied under the renowned soprano Elvira de Hidalgo, who recognized her exceptional talent.
6. De Hidalgo taught Callas the intricacies of bel canto, an 18th-century singing style emphasizing emotional connection.

Career Beginnings

Maria Callas's early career was marked by both challenges and triumphs.

7. She made her professional opera debut in February 1941 in Athens, singing the role of Chrysothemis in "The Suppliants."
8. Her early performances faced intense scrutiny and criticism, but her powerful voice quickly gained recognition.
9. Despite her talent, Callas was often criticized for her weight and appearance.
10. Near-sightedness left her nearly blind on stage, adding to her struggles.

Mastery of Bel Canto

Callas's expertise in bel canto set her apart from other sopranos of her time.

11. She was a master of bel canto, a style emphasizing emotional expression and technical precision.
12. Her ability to execute complex coloratura passages with ease made her unique.
13. Callas's expressive timbre added depth to her performances.

Operatic Roles and Performances

Her repertoire and performances showcased her versatility and dramatic flair.

14. Callas's repertoire included a wide range of operatic roles, from classical opera seria to bel canto operas by Donizetti, Bellini, and Rossini.
15. She also performed in works by Verdi and Puccini, and early in her career, she sang Wagner's music dramas.
16. One of her most notable performances was in Giuseppe Verdi's "La Traviata."
17. In 1955, she sang the role of Violetta in "La Traviata" at La Scala in Milan, marking a significant milestone.

Recording Career

Callas's recordings remain iconic in the world of opera.

18. Her recorded repertoire spans from the late 1940s to the early 1970s.
19. Walter Legge, who described her as having a "superhuman inferiority complex," produced her recordings.
20. Her recordings include complete operas like Giordano's "Andrea Chénier" and Rossini's "Il turco in Italia."

Personal Life and Relationships

Callas's personal life was as dramatic as her performances.

21. She married Giovanni Battista Meneghini in 1949, but their relationship was tumultuous.
22. In 1957, she met Aristotle Onassis, and their affair received significant media attention.
23. Callas left her husband for Onassis in 1959 and renounced her U.S. citizenship in 1966 to end her marriage.

Relationship with Aristotle Onassis

Her relationship with Onassis was complex and tumultuous.

24. Despite their affair ending in 1968, Onassis continued to meet with Callas in Paris.
25. Onassis married Jacqueline Kennedy, but his connection with Callas persisted.

Weight Loss and Vocal Decline

Callas's significant weight loss had a profound impact on her career.

26. In the early 1960s, she underwent significant weight loss, which some believe contributed to her vocal decline.
27. This period was marked by intense media scrutiny and public criticism.

Diva Reputation

Callas was known for her demanding behavior and high standards.

28. She was reported to have refused to wash her gloves, instead throwing them out and getting new pairs.
29. Her behavior was often criticized by peers and the media.

Impact on Opera

Callas's influence on opera was profound and far-reaching.

30. She revived classical coloratura roles and brought new life to 19th-century composers' works.
31. Her influence extended beyond performances, inspiring a new generation of opera singers and composers.

Awards and Recognition

Callas's contributions to classical music were widely recognized.

32. In 2007, she posthumously received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Legacy

Callas's legacy continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

33. She remains one of the most influential opera singers of the 20th century.
34. Her unique voice and dramatic flair have inspired countless artists.
35. Her music continues to be celebrated in opera houses and concert halls.

Documentaries and Reissues

Callas's life and career have been commemorated through various media.

36. Numerous documentaries and music reissues have been released to commemorate her centenary.
37. An expansive box set titled "La Divina" features her recordings and performances.

Personal Tragedies

Callas's life was marked by personal tragedies.

38. In 1960, her son was born prematurely and died, a loss that deeply affected her.
39. The end of her relationship with Onassis contributed to her declining health.

Death and Funeral

Callas's death marked the end of an era in opera.

40. Maria Callas died of a heart attack on September 16, 1977, at 53. Her ashes were scattered over the Aegean Sea in 1979, as per her wish.

Maria Callas: A Timeless Icon

Maria Callas, known as "La Divina," left an unforgettable mark on the world of opera. Her powerful voice, dramatic interpretations, and mastery of bel canto made her a standout soprano. Despite facing personal struggles and intense media scrutiny, she remained resilient, continuing to captivate audiences with her performances. Her relationship with Aristotle Onassis and her weight loss journey added layers to her complex public image. Callas's influence extended beyond her lifetime, inspiring future generations of opera singers and composers. Her recordings, performances, and legacy continue to be celebrated worldwide. From her early days in Greece to her iconic performances at La Scala, Callas's story is one of talent, resilience, and lasting impact. Her legacy serves as a testament to the transformative power of music and the enduring allure of a true diva. Maria Callas will forever be remembered as a timeless icon in the world of opera.