Maria Callas was one of the most influential opera singers of the 20th century, famous for her extraordinary voice and dramatic diction.
Born on December 2, 1923, in New York City to Greek immigrant parents, she began her musical journey at an early age. Callas’s fame began with her Italian debut in 1947 at the Verona Arena, where she performed in “La Gioconda.”
This performance attracted the attention of critics and audiences alike, establishing her as a formidable presence in the world of opera. Over the years, she became known for her iconic roles in operas such as “Tosca,” “Norma,” And “La Traviata,” solidified her status as a leading soprano.
File
- Full name: Maria Anna Cecilia Sofia Kalogeropoulos
- Nickname: La Divina
- Date of birth: December 2, 1923
- Age as of 2025: 102 (deceased)
- Gender: Female
- Place of birth: New York City, New York, United States
- Nationality: Greek American
- Occupation: Opera soprano
- Height: Not applicable
- Parents: George Kalogeropoulos, Evangelia Callas
- Siblings: Jackie Kalogeropoulos (sister)
- Spouse: Giovanni Battista Meneghini (d. 1949–1959), Aristotle Onassis (partner)
- Children: Not applicable
- Relationship status: Divorced
- Religion: Greek Orthodox
- Ethnicity: Greek
- Net worth: $10 million
Early life and education
Maria Callas was posthumously awarded at the age of 102. She was born on December 2, 1923 in New York City to Greek immigrant parents. Her father, George Kalogeropoulos, owned a pharmacy, while her mother, Evangelia, had high expectations for her children.
At age 14, after her parents separated, Maria moved to Athens with her mother and older sister. In Greece, she studied at the National Conservatory of Music, where she received formal training in singing.
Callas graduated in 1940 and quickly made a name for himself with notable performances in “Cavalleria Rusticana.” Her ethnic background and upbringing in a strict family influenced her artistic development and shaped her personality.
Personal life
Maria Callas’s personal life is as dramatic as her performances on stage. She married Giovanni Battista Meneghini in 1949; Not only was he her husband, but he also became her manager. Their relationship is complex, marked by both professional collaboration and personal tension.
The couple divorced in 1959 after Callas’s affair with Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis became public knowledge. This relationship was tumultuous and was often scrutinized by the media. Although they never officially married, Callas was deeply affected by their relationship until Onassis married Jacqueline Kennedy in 1968.
It is rumored that she gave birth to a son named Omero Lengrini on March 30, 1960, fathered by Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. It is known that the child died immediately after birth due to respiratory failure.
Career
Callas’s career flourished after her Italian debut in 1999 “La Gioconda” in 1947. She became a prominent figure at La Scala in Milan, where she performed many leading roles in Italian repertory.
Her collaborations with renowned conductors and directors resulted in groundbreaking productions that showcased her vocal abilities and dramatic skills. Throughout the 1950s, Callas continued to perform internationally, appearing at prestigious venues such as the Metropolitan Opera and the Royal Opera House.
Despite facing challenges later in her career due to her declining voice and personal difficulties, she left an indelible legacy through recordings that continue to resonate with audiences. fake today.
Prize
Maria Callas received many awards throughout her career for her contributions to opera. Some notable awards include:
- Grammy Award for Best Classical Soloist (1959)
- Kennedy Center Honors (1980)
Net worth
Maria Callas’s estimated net worth is approximately $10 million. Her wealth comes primarily from her successful career as an opera singer, which includes lucrative concert tours and recordings that have sold millions worldwide.
Death
Maria Callas died on September 16, 1977, at the age of 53 from a heart attack in Paris, France. Her death marked the end of an era for opera enthusiasts, who revered her contributions to the art form.
Argumentative
Maria Callas’s life was filled with controversies that often overshadowed her artistic achievements. A significant scandal involved her relationship with Aristotle Onassis. The affair began while she was still married to Giovanni Battista Meneghini and attracted media attention.
Their romance is characterized by passionate highs and devastating lows; it became a focus of public interest when Onassis married Jacqueline Kennedy shortly after his relationship with Callas ended.
Additionally, Callas has faced criticism about his appearance throughout his career. After undergoing significant weight loss in the early 1950s – aimed at enhancing her stage presence – many have speculated that this change negatively affected her vocal abilities. hers later. The press frequently highlighted this issue along with rumors of competition with other opera singers such as Renata Tebaldi.
Social Media
- Instagram: Not applicable
- Twitter: Not applicable
Cinema
- Great singers (1960)
- Concert (1978)
- Maria of Callas (2017)
Record
- Tosca
- Norma
- La Traviata
- Carmen
- Lady Butterfly
- Il Barbiere di Siviglia
- La Gioconda
