"Maria Callas: A Woman, a Voice, a Myth" exhibit at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Los Angeles, through April 23, 2010

By Mischa Geracoulis

Greek American opera diva Maria CallasMaria Callas, un artista avanguardia, definitive diva, and arguably the greatest opera singer of modern times, is currently the subject of a dramatic presentation at the Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles. The exhibit is an array of Callas' stage costumes and jewelry, rare photos and film, books, letters, and a special screening of the Maria Callas Biography documentary (courtesy of the BIOGRAPHY® channel)—making it a must-see for lovers of art, music, opera, culture, fashion, and design.

This presentation also includes the release of The Young Maria Callas, a previously unpublished diary of her dreams as a young woman, enhanced by the recollections of close friends who knew her throughout her life's victories, hardships and heartbreaks. The book is published with the combined support of the Italian Cultural Institutes of America (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington, and New York), and with whose assistance the exhibit is made possible.

Elisabeth Fotiadou, Consul General of Greece in Los Angeles has said, "Maria Callas combined an impressive bel canto technique with great dramatic skills. This exhibition opens a door to the magic world of opera, which Maria Callas conquered, earning the title of La Divina."

Callas' story is mythological with its rags-to-riches and larger-than-life qualities.

In the biographical material on display, Callas' reputed temperamental, demanding personality gives way to more poignant sides of Maria Callas the human being. This exhibit illuminates the point that Callas was much more than her media-hyped persona revealed.

Francesca Valente, director of the Los Angeles Italian Cultural Institute, remarks, "We like to think that the great unforgettable soprano belongs to Italy. Our country transformed her from a shy, insecure Greek-American girl into a groundbreaking artist and sophisticated diva under the magic wand of the legendary director Luchino Visconti. The truth is that Maria Callas doesn't belong to the United States, Greece or Italy, but to the entire world. Her legacy is universal."

The exhibit is the collective project of Bruno Tosi, President of the Associazione Maria Callas, the Hellenic Parliament Foundation for Parliamentarism and Democracy, and the Italian Cultural Institutes of America. It will be on display in Los Angeles until April 23, 2010 before moving on to the Maria Callas Museum at Scuola del Cristo, San Marcuola-Cannaregio, Venice, Italy.For more information, please visit the Istituto web site.

 

Mischa Geracoulis is an LA-based writer and Associate Editor of Levantine Review.