Famed opera singer Maria Callas is the subject of a new biopic Maria that premiered at the Venice Film Festival on August 29, with Academy Award–winning actor Angelina Jolie portraying the late music icon. The movie received an eight-minute standing ovation, not uncommon for the fest, that The Hollywood Reporter called “electric.”
The film reimagines the American-born Greek soprano’s final days in Paris in the 1970s, just before her death, which was believed to be a heart attack at age 53. Callas, known for her remarkable vocal range and technique, became something of a recluse in her later years, adding an intriguing layer to her story.
Angelina Jolie, who took on the role of Callas, remarked, “I take very seriously the responsibility to Maria’s life and legacy.” Jolie dedicated approximately seven months to perfecting Callas’ presence, movement, and accent, working with opera singers and coaches, including recorded lectures from Callas herself. Most of the film's vocal performances are from old recordings of Callas, with Netflix yet to announce a release date for the movie.
Who Was Maria Callas?
Maria Callas was a legendary opera singer who left a significant mark on the world of music. Born on December 2, 1923, in New York City, she made her professional debut as a teenager with the Royal Opera of Athens in 1941, quickly earning acclaim for her powerful voice and dramatic performances.
Throughout her career, Callas became known for her signature roles, particularly in operas like Tosca and Norma. However, her career faced challenges during the 1960s as the quality and frequency of her performances declined, leading her to transition into teaching later in life.
Her personal life was equally captivating; her high-profile relationship with shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis led to the end of her marriage with Giovanni Meneghini. Callas spent her final years away from the public eye until her death in 1977 at age 53.
Key Facts About Maria Callas
Here are some quick facts about Maria Callas:
- Full Name: Sophia Cecilia Anna Maria Kalogeropoulos
- Born: December 2, 1923
- Died: September 16, 1977
- Birthplace: New York, New York
- Spouse: Giovanni Meneghini (1949-1959)
- Astrological Sign: Sagittarius
The Early Life of Maria Callas
Maria Callas was born to Greek immigrant parents Georgios Kalogeropoulos and Evangelia “Litsa” Dimitriadis. She was the third child, following an older daughter and a son who tragically died at a young age. Discrepancies about her birth date have arisen over the years, but December 2, 1923, is widely accepted.
Callas began taking classical piano lessons at the age of 7 but often felt overshadowed by her older sister. Despite this, her mother encouraged her to pursue a career in singing, recognizing her dramatic talent.
After her parents separated in 1937, Callas and her family returned to Greece, where she studied voice under opera singer Elvira de Hidalgo at the Athens Conservatory. Her stage debut came in 1939, marking the start of her illustrious career.
Maria Callas' Opera Career
Callas made her professional debut in 1941 with the Royal Opera of Athens and quickly gained recognition for her performances. Her first major role was in Puccini's Tosca, which set the stage for her future successes.
During World War II, finding roles proved challenging, leading her to return to New York to spend time with her father. After moving to Italy, Callas made a significant impression at the Verona Arena in 1947, where she debuted in La Gioconda.
As her fame grew, so did her reputation as a demanding performer, earning her the nickname “The Tigress.” Despite audience jeers, Callas embraced the challenges of operatic performance, famously stating that “hissing from the gallery is part of the scene.”
Ex-Husband and Relationship with Aristotle Onassis
Maria Callas married Giovanni Meneghini in 1949, who later became her manager. However, their relationship began to deteriorate in the 1950s, primarily due to her affair with Aristotle Onassis, a prominent shipping magnate.
Onassis' marriage to Jacqueline Kennedy in 1968 caused significant emotional distress for Callas, yet he continued to pursue her. Their tumultuous relationship added complexity to Callas' already dramatic life.
Later Years and Death
In the 1970s, Callas transitioned into teaching, conducting master classes at Juilliard. Despite declining health, she supported a friend during an international recital tour in 1973, showcasing her dedication to the art.
On September 16, 1977, Callas passed away unexpectedly in her Paris home, with her death attributed to a heart attack. Her legacy as one of the greatest opera singers of all time continues to resonate today.
The Maria Callas Movie
Over the years, Callas' life has been depicted in various films, including Franco Zeffirelli’s Callas Forever (2002) and the documentary Maria by Callas (2017). The upcoming biopic Maria, featuring Angelina Jolie, captures the poignant final days of this remarkable artist.
Director Pablo Larrain describes Callas as “the greatest opera singer of all time” and emphasizes the film as a celebration of her life through memories and music. Premiere receptions have indicated strong interest, with Jolie already generating Oscar buzz.
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