Maria Callas - Bio, Age, Chinese Zodiac Sign & Timeline

Born	December 02, 1923
Died	September 16, 1977 (age 53)
Birthplace	New York City, New York, USA
Zodiac Sign	Sagittarius - (see also Maria Callas's horoscope and birth chart)
Chinese Zodiac	Pig
Generation	Greatest Generation
Known For	Transforming opera with her powerful voice, dramatic intensity, and contributions to 20th-century classical music.

Intro

Maria Callas was a world-renowned Greek-American soprano recognized for her extraordinary vocal range and dramatic interpretations. She played a pivotal role in reviving 19th-century bel canto opera and became one of the most influential opera singers of the 20th century.

Early Life & Background

Maria Callas was born Maria Anna Sofia Cecilia Kalogeropoulos to Greek immigrant parents in New York City. She began studying music at a young age and, after her parents’ separation, moved to Greece with her mother, where she studied at the Athens Conservatoire.

Career Highlights

Debuted professionally in 1941 in Athens as Tosca.
International breakthrough at La Fenice opera house in Venice in 1949.
Landmark performances at La Scala in Milan throughout the 1950s.
Iconic roles include Norma (Bellini), Tosca (Puccini), and Lucia di Lammermoor (Donizetti).
Worked with major conductors like Tullio Serafin and directors like Luchino Visconti.
Her 1950s recordings are considered reference points for many operatic roles.

Trivia

Had a celebrated and tumultuous personal life, including a high-profile affair with Aristotle Onassis.
Naturalized Italian citizen in 1949.
Nicknamed 'La Divina' for her divine voice and stage presence.
Lost over 80 pounds between 1953 and 1954, which contributed to her transformation both vocally and physically.

FAQs

On Her Birth-Day

Discover more

Famous people born in 1923 Famous people born in December 1923 Famous people born on December 2nd

Famous people who died in 1923 Famous people who died in December 1923 Famous people who died on December 2nd