マリア・カラス

Maria Anna Cecilia Sofia Kalogeropoulos was born to Greek immigrant parents in Manhattan. The family called her Mary, and no one could have predicted this shy, overweight child would become the most famous opera singer of the twentieth century.

Maria began piano lessons and showed immediate musical talent. Her mother, recognizing her gifts, began pushing her daughters toward performing careers—a pressure that would shape Maria's complicated relationship with her family.

Maria's mother took her and her sister to Greece to pursue serious musical training. The move separated the family permanently—Maria would not see her father for years. Athens would transform her from talented amateur to professional artist.

Maria enrolled at the Athens Conservatory, lying about her age to be admitted. She studied under Maria Trivella, who recognized her extraordinary potential and began training her remarkable three-octave voice.

Maria began studying with legendary Spanish soprano Elvira de Hidalgo, who became her most important teacher. De Hidalgo saw the dramatic artist within the ungainly teenager and trained both her voice and her theatrical instincts.

Maria made her professional debut during the German occupation of Greece, singing Tosca. Despite wartime hardships, she performed extensively in Athens, developing the stamina and repertoire that would serve her later career.

Maria made her Italian debut in La Gioconda at the Arena di Verona. The performance launched her international career and brought her to the attention of conductor Tullio Serafin, who would guide her artistic development.

Maria married wealthy Italian industrialist Giovanni Battista Meneghini, who became her devoted manager. The marriage provided security and support for her artistic ambitions, though it would not survive her later fame.

Maria performed in Bellini's I Puritani after learning the demanding role in just one week—while also performing Brünnhilde in Die Walküre. This feat demonstrated her phenomenal musical abilities and established her as a unique dramatic coloratura.

Maria made her debut at La Scala in I Vespri Siciliani, beginning her reign at opera's most prestigious house. She would become synonymous with La Scala, performing there over 150 times and reviving forgotten bel canto masterpieces.

Maria lost nearly 80 pounds, emerging as a glamorous figure whose svelte appearance matched her dramatic intensity. The transformation made her a fashion icon but may have contributed to later vocal problems.

Maria finally conquered the Metropolitan Opera with Norma, receiving a tumultuous reception in her hometown. Her American triumph completed her reign as the world's leading soprano, celebrated on two continents.

Maria met shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis on his yacht Christina. The passionate affair that followed destroyed her marriage and ultimately her career—she would sacrifice everything for this tempestuous relationship.

Maria's voice began showing signs of wear, with increasingly frequent cancellations and controversial performances. Critics who once worshipped her now attacked her, though her dramatic intensity remained undiminished.

Maria gave her final complete opera performance as Tosca at the Royal Opera House. Directed by Franco Zeffirelli, this production captured her unique ability to transform opera into searing psychological drama.

Aristotle Onassis married Jacqueline Kennedy, devastating Maria. She had sacrificed her career for him, even ending a pregnancy at his insistence. The betrayal left her increasingly isolated and depressed.

Maria embarked on a final concert tour with tenor Giuseppe di Stefano. Though her voice was a shadow of its former glory, audiences came to witness a legend—and many were moved to tears by what remained.

Maria Callas died alone in her Paris apartment of a heart attack. She was only 53, but grief and solitude had aged her beyond her years. She left behind recordings that continue to define operatic singing—her intensity, her colors, her dramatic truth remain unequaled. La Divina had changed opera forever.