ABSTRACT
American soprano, born Maria Anna Sofia Cecilia Kologeropoulos to Greek immigrant parents in New York City. When the family returned to Greece in 1937, she studied voice and made a debut in Athens (in a minor role) three years later. Her major debut was as Tosca in July 1942. She appeared in Verona as Gioconda on 3 Aug 1947, and joined La Scala in 1950, singing Aida. She was an immediate success in Cherubini’s Medea, a role that was identified with her throughout her career. Another acclaimed role was Norma, which she sang at Covent Garden on 8 Nov 1952 and in her American debut, in Chicago, on 1 Nov 1954. For her Metropolitan Opera debut on 29 Oct 1956 she was Norma once more. Callas enjoyed great international success as one of the great operatic stars of her time. Unfortunately, she was involved in numerous disputes with managers, causing interruptions to her career; she did sing in New York until 1965, then gave up the stage after a final appearance at Covent Garden. She died in Paris.
