Maria Callas, born Maria Anna Cecilia Sophia Kalogeropoulos on December 2, 1923, was an American-born Greek soprano and one of the most renowned and influential opera singers of the 20th century. Her career was marked by her powerful voice, dramatic interpretations, and a repertoire that spanned from classical opera seria to the bel canto operas of Donizetti, Bellini, and Rossini, and further to the works of Verdi and Puccini. Callas's life was as dramatic as her performances,
filled with personal struggles and public scandals, yet her artistic achievements have left an indelible mark on the world of opera.
Origins & Early Influences
Maria Callas was born in Manhattan and raised in Astoria, Queens, New York City, to Greek immigrant parents. Her father, George Kalogeropoulos, shortened the family name to Callas to make it more manageable. Callas's mother, Litsa, was overbearing and had wanted a son, which led to a strained relationship with Maria. Despite these challenges, Callas's musical talent began to manifest at a young age. She received her musical education in Greece at age 13, where she studied under Maria Trivella and later with the Spanish coloratura soprano Elvira de Hidalgo at the Athens Conservatoire.
Training, Day Jobs & First Gigs
Callas's early career was marked by her performances in secondary roles at the Greek National Opera, where she made her professional debut in 1941. Her talent was evident, and she quickly rose to prominence, performing leading roles such as Tosca and Marta in Eugen d'Albert's Tiefland. Her performances received glowing reviews, and she was referred to as "The God-Given" by critics. Despite hostilities from some established sopranos, Callas's career continued to flourish, and she eventually moved to Italy to further her career.
Breakthrough & Early Stardom
The turning point in Callas's career came in 1949 when she was engaged to sing the role of Brünnhilde in Die Walküre at the Teatro la Fenice in Venice. When Margherita Carosio fell ill, Callas was asked to sing Elvira in I puritani with only six days' notice. Her performance was a triumph, showcasing her vocal versatility and setting her on a path to stardom. Callas's fame grew, and she made her official debut at La Scala in Milan in 1951, where she became a fixture throughout the 1950s.
Peak Era & Signature Works
Throughout the 1950s, Callas's career reached its peak as she performed at major opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Royal Opera House in London. Her performances in roles such as Norma, La traviata, and Medea were critically acclaimed, and she became known for her dramatic interpretations and powerful voice. Despite personal struggles and public scandals, Callas's influence on opera was profound, and she remains one of the best-selling vocalists in classical music history. Her ashes were scattered over the Aegean Sea in 1979, fulfilling one of her last wishes.
