Maria Callas: the life and legacy of a legendary diva

Callas made her professional debut in Athens in 1941, performing the small role of Beatrice in Franz von Suppé's 'Boccaccio.' She rose to prominence in August 1942 with her first leading role as Tosca. During this time, Callas continued to perform throughout the Nazi and Italian occupation of Athens during World War II, a devastating period when 300,000 Athenians perished from starvation.

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Move to Italy -

After enduring years of rationing and bombing, the post-war economic boom brought a revival of the arts, creating a golden opportunity for Callas. In 1947, she moved to Italy, where her career truly blossomed, starting with performances in Verona.

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Breakthrough role - Her performance in Vincenzo Bellini's 'Norma' became a signature role, earning her international acclaim.

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Versatility - Callas sang both dramatic and coloratura roles, including 'La Traviata', 'Aida,' and 'Lucia di Lammermoor.'

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Work ethic -

Known for her rigorous preparation, she was deeply involved in the interpretation of her roles, often influencing stage direction.

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Unique voice - Callas possessed a dramatic soprano voice with extraordinary range and emotion, often described as hauntingly beautiful.

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Vocal controversy -

Critics and fans often debated her voice, some considered it imperfect, while others celebrated its unparalleled expressiveness and emotional depth.

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Bel Canto revival - She is credited with reviving interest in Bel Canto operas, particularly works by Bellini, Donizetti, and Rossini.

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Artistic interpretation - Callas’ ability to bring characters to life through her dramatic and vocal nuances set her apart.

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Decline of voice -

Callas' voice began to decline in the 1960s, sparking endless speculation about the causes, including rapid weight loss, intense stress, and overuse.

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First marriage - In 1949, Callas married Italian industrialist Giovanni Battista Meneghini, who became her manager. They met two years prior when she was 23 and he 51.

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Affair with Onassis -

In 1959, Callas began an affair with shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis and divorced Meneghini, whom she accused of "robbing me of more than half my money by putting everything in his name since we were married … I was a fool … to trust him."

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Onassis scandal - Their relationship ended in heartbreak when Onassis married Jacqueline Kennedy in 1968.

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Personal sacrifices - Callas often said her devotion to her career made it difficult to balance personal happiness with professional success.

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Loneliness - In her later years, Callas led a more reclusive life, reflecting on her tumultuous relationships.

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La Scala Legend - Callas was a regular at La Scala in Milan, Italy, where she performed some of her most iconic roles.

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Collaborations with Luchino Visconti - Her work with the Italian director brought new dramatic depth to her roles, solidifying her status as a stage actress.

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Last role -

On July 5, 1965, Callas performed her final role at the Royal Opera House in London, starring as Tosca.

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Final public performance -

However, on March 5, 1974, Callas gave her final public performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City, marking the end of her storied career with a poignant farewell.

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Master classes - From October 1971 to March 1972, Callas gave a series of master classes at the Juilliard School in New York, passing on her knowledge to the next generation.

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Recordings - Her extensive discography continues to be studied and cherished, with highlights including 'Norma' and 'La Traviata.'

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Fashion icon -

Callas's dramatic transformation, losing significant weight and adopting couture fashion, made her a style icon of her era.

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Inspiration for art -

Her life and career have inspired numerous books, films, and operatic works, showcasing her lasting impact. Her legacy endures, with Angelina Jolie portraying her in Pablo Larraín's biopic 'Maria' (2024), and Monica Bellucci recently bringing her to life in the stage production 'Maria Callas: Letters and Memoirs.'

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Tragic end -

Callas died on September 16, 1977, at 53, of a heart attack in Paris, leaving behind a legacy of artistry and mystique.

Sources: (History) (BBC) (The Guardian)

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Greek heritage -

Maria Callas was born on December 2, 1923, in Manhattan, New York, to Greek immigrant parents. Her birth name was Maria Anna Cecilia Sofia Kalogeropoulos.

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Early move to Greece - Her family returned to Greece in 1937 following financial struggles during the Great Depression.

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Musical beginnings -

Callas started formal music training at the Greek National Conservatoire at the age of 13 under soprano Maria Trivella.

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Prodigious talent -

Despite initially being overlooked for her looks, Callas's teachers quickly recognized her vocal brilliance and dedication.

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Childhood challenges - Callas endured a strained relationship with her mother, who pushed her relentlessly into performing and was often harsh.

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Operatic debut -

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Move to Italy -

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Breakthrough role - Her performance in Vincenzo Bellini's 'Norma' became a signature role, earning her international acclaim.

Getty Images

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Versatility - Callas sang both dramatic and coloratura roles, including 'La Traviata', 'Aida,' and 'Lucia di Lammermoor.'

Getty Images

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Work ethic -

Known for her rigorous preparation, she was deeply involved in the interpretation of her roles, often influencing stage direction.

Getty Images

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Unique voice - Callas possessed a dramatic soprano voice with extraordinary range and emotion, often described as hauntingly beautiful.

Getty Images

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Vocal controversy -

Critics and fans often debated her voice, some considered it imperfect, while others celebrated its unparalleled expressiveness and emotional depth.

Getty Images

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Bel Canto revival - She is credited with reviving interest in Bel Canto operas, particularly works by Bellini, Donizetti, and Rossini.

Getty Images

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Artistic interpretation - Callas’ ability to bring characters to life through her dramatic and vocal nuances set her apart.

Getty Images

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Decline of voice -

Callas' voice began to decline in the 1960s, sparking endless speculation about the causes, including rapid weight loss, intense stress, and overuse.

Getty Images

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First marriage - In 1949, Callas married Italian industrialist Giovanni Battista Meneghini, who became her manager. They met two years prior when she was 23 and he 51.

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Affair with Onassis -

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Onassis scandal - Their relationship ended in heartbreak when Onassis married Jacqueline Kennedy in 1968.

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Personal sacrifices - Callas often said her devotion to her career made it difficult to balance personal happiness with professional success.

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Loneliness - In her later years, Callas led a more reclusive life, reflecting on her tumultuous relationships.

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La Scala Legend - Callas was a regular at La Scala in Milan, Italy, where she performed some of her most iconic roles.

Getty Images

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Collaborations with Luchino Visconti - Her work with the Italian director brought new dramatic depth to her roles, solidifying her status as a stage actress.

Getty Images

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Last role -

On July 5, 1965, Callas performed her final role at the Royal Opera House in London, starring as Tosca.

Getty Images

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Final public performance -

However, on March 5, 1974, Callas gave her final public performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City, marking the end of her storied career with a poignant farewell.

Getty Images

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Master classes - From October 1971 to March 1972, Callas gave a series of master classes at the Juilliard School in New York, passing on her knowledge to the next generation.

Getty Images

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Recordings - Her extensive discography continues to be studied and cherished, with highlights including 'Norma' and 'La Traviata.'

Getty Images\

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Fashion icon -

Callas's dramatic transformation, losing significant weight and adopting couture fashion, made her a style icon of her era.

Getty Images\

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Inspiration for art -

NL Beeld

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Tragic end -

Callas died on September 16, 1977, at 53, of a heart attack in Paris, leaving behind a legacy of artistry and mystique.

Sources: (History) (BBC) (The Guardian)

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Maria Callas: the life and legacy of a legendary diva

The voice, the drama, and the legacy of the renowned soprano

09/01/25 | StarsInsider

CELEBRITY Bio

Often hailed as the greatest soprano of the 20th century, Maria Callas was a revolutionary force in the world of classical music. Known as "La Divina," her unique voice, dramatic artistry, and commanding stage presence captivated audiences globally. Beyond her extraordinary career, Callas's life was marked by intense personal struggles, from a tumultuous love life to vocal decline.

Click on to explore the triumphs, challenges, and enduring legacy of a diva who redefined opera.