The True Story of Maria Callas: Life, Career and Final Days in Paris

In the latest cinematic offering, Angelina Jolie portrays the legendary opera sensation Maria Callas in Maria, directed by Pablo Larraín. This film, marking Jolie’s return to the big screen after three years, delves into the poignant final chapters of Callas’ tumultuous life rather than attempting to chronicle her entire illustrious career. Known for her extraordinary talent and dramatic personal experiences, Callas’ journey is both compelling and heartbreaking.

Maria serves as the concluding segment in Larraín’s trilogy that focuses on iconic women of the 20th century, following his previous works on Jackie Kennedy in Jackie and Princess Diana in Spencer.

The narrative resonates strongly with audiences and critics alike, who have highlighted Jolie’s performance, with Screen Rant declaring her the film’s “anchor.”It is evident that Jolie adeptly conveys the inner turmoil and despair Callas experienced toward the end of her life, even as the film refrains from presenting a comprehensive overview of her life story.

Maria Callas: Early Life and Relocation

Relocation to Greece at Age 13

Maria Callas was born on December 2, 1923, in New York City, to Greek immigrant parents, Georgios Kalogeropoulos and Evangelia “Litsa”Dimitriadis. Originally named Sophie Cecilia Kalos, she was later baptized as Maria Cecilia Sophia Anna Kalogeropoulos. In an effort to simplify their surname for English speakers, her father modified it from Kalos to Callas, giving rise to the name that would become synonymous with excellence in opera.

Callas’ affinity for music blossomed in her youth, leading her to the piano and vocal training. However, tumult struck her family life when her parents divorced during her teenage years. At the age of 13, Callas relocated to Greece with her mother and older sister, where she began to cultivate her vocal talents under the guidance of opera singer Elvira de Hidalgo at the prestigious Athens Conservatory. It wasn’t long before she embarked on her professional opera career.

Professional Beginnings and Early Achievements

Italian Debut: A Milestone in 1947

Maria Callas made strides in her career during the 1940s, a period rife with challenges and opportunities. Her official debut occurred in 1941 when she performed the modest role of Beatrice in Franz von Suppé’s Boccaccio at the Royal Opera of Athens. However, her burgeoning career was interrupted by the onset of World War II, necessitating her return to the United States.

Upon her return, Callas sought to break into the highly competitive New York opera scene, a task complicated by the press’s portrayal of her as a “temperamental diva,”often dubbing her the “Tigress.”After facing mounting difficulties securing roles, she opted to relocate once more, this time to Verona, Italy, where her career took a significant turn. In 1947, she achieved her Italian debut in La Gioconda at the Verona Arena, which catapulted her into the spotlight and solidified her status as a preeminent opera singer.

Marriages, Affairs, and Personal Turmoil

Marriage to Meneghini in 1949

In 1947, while living in Italy, Maria Callas met industrialist Giovanni Battista Meneghini, and they married two years later. Meneghini not only managed her career but was also a significant figure in her personal and professional life. Their ten-year marriage, however, was fraught with conflict, culminating in accusations of financial misconduct from Callas against Meneghini. The couple separated in 1959, shortly after Callas began a passionate affair with the Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, a relationship that would dominate her later years.

Factors Behind Vocal Decline in the 1950s

Weight Loss and Vocal Impact

Maria Callas’ dramatic weight loss of nearly 80 pounds between 1953 and 1954 marks a pivotal moment in her life. This transformation is often linked to her vocal decline, which began to surface in the mid-1950s. While some experts attribute this decline to her original singing technique, others argue that the weight loss played a significant role. Despite facing scrutiny over her vocal abilities, Callas continued to perform publicly for years amidst the controversy.

Onassis and the Jackie Kennedy Entanglement

Onassis’ Marriage to Jackie Kennedy

In a notorious turn of events, Aristotle Onassis married former First Lady Jackie Kennedy in 1968, just a decade after he and Callas parted ways. The news devastated Callas, though rumors suggest their relationship may have continued clandestinely even after Onassis’s marriage to Kennedy. Both parties never confirmed or denied these rumors, leaving the truth shrouded in mystery.

Final Years and Last Performance

Retirement and Last Show in Japan

Despite the challenges she faced, Callas maintained her career into the 1970s, making a significant comeback after a decade-long hiatus. She officially retired from public performance in the 1960s but returned to the stage with renowned tenor Giuseppe Di Stefano. Her final performance occurred on November 11, 1974, in Sapporo, Japan, marking the end of her illustrious career.

Later Years and Passing

Tragic End: Death in 1977

Following her last show, Callas settled in Paris, where she spent her remaining years retreating from public life amid declining health. On September 16, 1977, she tragically passed away at her home from a heart attack at the age of 53. While some details surrounding her death have led to speculation, a heart attack is widely accepted as the cause. Years later, Callas remains a central figure in the world of opera and an enduring source of inspiration, with Maria ensuring her legacy continues to resonate.

Sources: Biography, Forbes

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