Italians claim her. Greeks claim her. Americans claim her. But last night, Maria Callas was on loan to the world. This was very much the feeling at Monday evening's opening reception for the Instituto Italiano di Cultura's exhibition "Maria Callas: A Woman, a Voice, a Myth". The exhibit, which will run until 23 April, is presented under the auspices of the Ring Festival LA and in conjunction with the Consuls-General of Italy and Greece, as well as several other arts organisations.
This exhibit was first launched in Venice in 1993 and has since toured the globe, making stops in such cultural capitals as Rome, Paris, Athens, New York, and now, Los Angeles. The exhibit, which has been specially expanded for its Los Angeles run, includes a treasure trove of Callas memorabilia, most notably costumes, evening gowns, jewelry, and other personal items of "La Divina".
Maria Callas was born in 1923 in Manhattan to Greek parents. She received her early musical education in Greece, but it was in the great opera houses of Italy that she first endeared herself to the world. Still, her's was not an easy life. Born with profound myopia, Callas struggled with her vision all her life. She was also for much of her youth overweight. It is her dramatic weight loss early in her career on which some critics blame her eventual vocal decline.
To many, Ma
ria Callas is known primarily, if not exclusively, as the first lady of bel canto opera. But it was the decidedly heavier music of Richard Wagner that first helped to launch Callas' career and cement her rightful place amongst the opera greats of the mid-20th century. This point was given particular emphasis in a lecture delivered as part last night's festivities by LA Opera music director James Conlon. Maestro Conlon's address, which took as its theme "Maria Callas and Richard Wagner: An Unlikely Couple", was prefaced with his own personal recollections of the singer's master classes at The Juilliard School in 1972. "I was lucky enough to have known Maria Callas when I was young," remarked Conlon. "The world is very fortunate that Maria Callas sang the way she sang."
ria Callas is known primarily, if not exclusively, as the first lady of bel canto opera. But it was the decidedly heavier music of Richard Wagner that first helped to launch Callas' career and cement her rightful place amongst the opera greats of the mid-20th century. This point was given particular emphasis in a lecture delivered as part last night's festivities by LA Opera music director James Conlon. Maestro Conlon's address, which took as its theme "Maria Callas and Richard Wagner: An Unlikely Couple", was prefaced with his own personal recollections of the singer's master classes at The Juilliard School in 1972. "I was lucky enough to have known Maria Callas when I was young," remarked Conlon. "The world is very fortunate that Maria Callas sang the way she sang."Last night's event was one of several leading up to the 15 April launch of the citywide Ring Festival LA and LA Opera's much-anticipated "Ring" cycle. "The 'Ring' is always an event," observed Maestro Conlon who also declared Wagner to be "one of greatest creative geniuses of the 19th century". Following his remarks, Conlon and Bruno Tosi, president of th
e Maria Callas International Association, were both presented with the Instituto Italiano di Cultura's Lifetime Achievement Award. The opening reception was attended by a particularly well-heeled crowd, including former Massachusetts governor Michael Dukakis, the Consuls-General of Italy and Greece, as well figures from the world of opera including a former prima ballerina at La Scala who recalled Callas' extraordinary stage presence.
e Maria Callas International Association, were both presented with the Instituto Italiano di Cultura's Lifetime Achievement Award. The opening reception was attended by a particularly well-heeled crowd, including former Massachusetts governor Michael Dukakis, the Consuls-General of Italy and Greece, as well figures from the world of opera including a former prima ballerina at La Scala who recalled Callas' extraordinary stage presence.
This remarkable exhibition will run until 23 April at the Instituo Italiano di Culura in Westwood Village. Visit the Institute's website for additional information and check out Ring Festival LA and this blog for details on other exciting upcoming events.Nota bene: The opinions expressed on this blog and its related media are solely those of J. Anthony McAlister. They in no way represent the opinions of Los Angeles Opera, Ring Festival LA, or any of their associated partners.
