Knowledge Tools |  | Double-click on any word that you do not understand in the text to get its meaning from Cambridge Online Dictionaries. To see the Greek translation of the word, select the option "Greek" and then double-click on the word again. To return to the Cambridge Online Dictionaries select the option "English". Select Greek translation or English meaning.
Maria Callas (1923- 1977) Maria Callas Many music lovers consider legendary Maria Callas the most famous opera singer of the second half of the 20th century. The child of Greek immigrants, Cecilia Sophia Anna Maria Kalogeropoulos was born in New York City. She moved to Greece at age 13 where she began to study music at the National Conservatory in Athens. Maria made her professional stage debut in November of 1940 at the National Lyric Theatre in Athens in Suppé’s operetta, "Boccaccio". Her first success came in 1941 when she was asked to perform in "Tosca" at the Athens Opera. Soon after, she performed "Fidelio", "Tiefland" and "Cavalleria Rusticana" in Athens. A few years later, in 1947, she made her debut in Italy at the Arena of Verona. Later she returned to her birthplace. In the early 1950s, Callas made numerous appearances at the world's great opera houses. She recorded many of the most well known operas. Praised for the distinctive colour of her voice, her dramatic presence, and her careful musicianship, she sang principally at La Scala, the Rome and Paris operas, Covent Garden in London, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Her operatic singing career was very successful and she became very well known and loved for her singing. Maria Callas has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1680 Vine Street. Her personal life though was not without difficulties. Personal disappointment led Callas to spend the last years of her life living largely in isolation in Paris. She died in 1977 at age 53. She left behind many remarkable recordings which remain as a testament to her artistic genius. Check that you understand what these words mean in this document Legendary: famous. Distinctive: easily recognisable. Genius: having very rare abilities. For further information visit: Maria Callas Maria Callas official website