Maria Callas (born Maria Anna Cecilia Sophia Kalogeropoulos; December 2, 1923 – September 16, 1977) was an American-born Greek soprano renowned for her exceptional vocal technique, dramatic interpretations, and remarkable stage presence. Often referred to as "La Divina," she is considered one of the most influential opera singers of the 20th century.

Early Life and Education

Maria Callas was born in New York City to Greek immigrant parents. At the age of 13, following her parents' separation, she moved with her mother and sister to Athens, Greece. There, she enrolled at the Athens Conservatoire, studying under the tutelage of Elvira de Hidalgo. Her rigorous training in bel canto technique laid the foundation for her future success.

Career

Early Career

Callas made her professional debut in 1941 as Beatrice in Franz von Suppé's Boccaccio at the Olympia Theatre in Athens. Her early performances in Greece during World War II showcased her burgeoning talent and resilience.

International Breakthrough

In 1947, Callas's career took a significant turn when she performed La Gioconda in Verona, Italy. This performance led to a series of engagements across Italy, including at La Scala in Milan, where she became a regular performer. Her portrayal of roles in operas such as Norma, Tosca, and Lucia di Lammermoor garnered critical acclaim.

Metropolitan Opera and Global Fame

Callas made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1956, performing the title role in Bellini's Norma. Her performances were celebrated for their emotional intensity and technical precision. Throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, she performed in major opera houses worldwide, solidifying her status as an international star.

Later Years and Final Performances

In the mid-1960s, Callas faced vocal challenges that led to a decline in her operatic performances. Her final operatic appearance was in 1965 as Tosca at the Royal Opera House in London. She later gave masterclasses and embarked on a concert tour with tenor Giuseppe Di Stefano in the early 1970s. Her last public performance was in 1974.

Personal Life

Callas's personal life was marked by high-profile relationships. She was married to Italian industrialist Giovanni Battista Meneghini from 1949 to 1959, who also managed her career. Following their separation, she had a well-publicized affair with Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. Their relationship ended when Onassis married Jacqueline Kennedy in 1968.

Death and Legacy

Maria Callas died of a heart attack on September 16, 1977, in Paris at the age of 53. Her legacy endures through numerous recordings and the profound impact she had on opera performance. In 2007, she was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

References

1. Maria Callas - Wikipedia
2. Maria Callas | Biography, Movie, Opera, & Soprano | Britannica
3. The Life of Maria Callas: Songs, Opera Career & More | ENO
4. Maria Callas Biography - The Famous People
5. Maria Callas: Her 10 Greatest Moments - Limelight

Disclaimer: After much research and testing, we are in agreement with rectification of Maria Callas' chart as per work of Claudia & Vicente Gigli, however, we used sabian symbols to fine tune the time of birth which we believe fits 6:07 AM instead of 6:10 AM the best. We still classify the Birth details as DD in Rodden Rating. Gaia