Now Showing | The Original Diva - Callas Divina
Now Showing | The Original Diva - Callas Divina
Now Showing | The Original Diva - Callas Divina
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By WILLIAM VAN METER<br />
Maria <strong>Callas</strong><br />
Cecil Beaton<br />
<strong>Now</strong> <strong>Showing</strong> | <strong>The</strong> <strong>Original</strong> <strong>Diva</strong><br />
March 17, 2010, 3:40 pm<br />
In a world where Miley Cyrus is considered a diva, a stroll through “Maria <strong>Callas</strong>: A Woman,<br />
a Voice, a Myth” is a refreshing detour. <strong>Now</strong> here is a woman who was both talent and<br />
tempest.<br />
<strong>The</strong> exhibition, at Los Angeles‟s Italian Cultural Institute, is composed of artifacts from<br />
<strong>Callas</strong>‟s life both onstage and off. Standouts include the costume jewelry she wore in her role<br />
as Medea — golden chains adorned with archaic totems of bull‟s heads and horned gods —<br />
and the black velvet Yves Saint Laurent gown from her master class. Also on display is<br />
<strong>Callas</strong>‟s correspondence and her personal wardrobe, which was often as dramatic and regal as<br />
her opera regalia; she had a penchant for capes and caftans.<br />
“Her voice was unique,” says the institute‟s director, Francesca Valente, “even though it was<br />
criticized sometimes. Toscanini said she had a little bit of vinegar in her voice when she was interpreting Lady<br />
Macbeth.”<br />
Earlier this week, at the opening reception held by the Italian Cultural<br />
Institute, <strong>Callas</strong>‟s arias were piped through the sound system, heavenly<br />
blue lights were projected skyward, and the formally attired guests<br />
munched on a selection of Italian and Greek hors-d‟oeuvres. (<strong>Callas</strong> was<br />
an American of Greek heritage but had strong connections to Italy<br />
through her art.) Beaming behind thick glasses was the president of the<br />
Associazione Maria <strong>Callas</strong> and editor of the new book “<strong>The</strong> Young<br />
Maria <strong>Callas</strong>,” Bruno Tosi, Courtesy of the Italian Cultural Institute<br />
Stage costumes worn in “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” (left) and in “Tosca.”<br />
who also curated the show. <strong>The</strong> toughest items to find, he said, happened<br />
to be the last dresses <strong>Callas</strong> performed in before her death in 1977. Tosi<br />
had to wait for her husband to die to snatch them up at auction.<br />
Stage costumes worn in “Il Barbiere di<br />
Siviglia” (left) and in “Tosca.” Courtesy of IIC<br />
This was actually Tosi‟s second brush with the renowned soprano. An exhibition he curated back in 1996 was<br />
destroyed in the fire that consumed Venice‟s La Fenice opera house.<br />
“Luckily, all of the letters were kept in a separate archive,” Tosi says breathlessly, “such as the love letters Pasolini<br />
wrote her when they were filming „Medea.‟”<br />
“Maria <strong>Callas</strong>: A Woman, a Voice, a Myth” is on view through April 23.<br />
http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/17/now-showing-the-original-diva/?scp=1&sq=maria%20callas&st=Search
América | elmundo.es<br />
Líder mundial en español<br />
CULTURA | Una exhibición 'de valor extraordinario'<br />
Los vestidos y las joyas de María <strong>Callas</strong> llegan a la ciudad de<br />
Los Ángeles<br />
Efe | Los Ángeles<br />
Actualizado martes 16/03/2010 09:47 horas<br />
Más de 50 años después del debut de María <strong>Callas</strong> en Los Ángeles, el espíritu de "La <strong>Divina</strong>"<br />
regresó anoche a esa ciudad gracias a una exhibición "de valor extraordinario" con vestidos y<br />
joyas de sus actuaciones y algunas de sus pertenencias más preciadas.<br />
La muestra, que reúne también fotografías, documentos inéditos, libros y cartas, llega a Los<br />
Ángeles tras recorrer desde 1993 ciudades como Nueva York, Atenas, Roma, Tokio o México.<br />
Entre los vestidos más llamativos de la colección sobresale el granate que portó la gran soprano<br />
durante la interpretación de la ópera "Tosca", de Puccini, en escenarios como el Covent Garden de<br />
Londres (1964), la Ópera Nacional de París o el Metropolitan de Nueva York (ambas en 1965).<br />
También destaca el flamenco en color amarillo que llevó como Rosina en "El barbero de Sevilla"<br />
de Rossini, en La Scala de Milán (1956); las diferentes tonalidades de verde para "La Traviata" de<br />
Verdi, en Nueva York (1966); el turquesa para su última actuación en Londres (1974), o el rojo<br />
claro de la última vez que se subió a un escenario, en Tokio (1974).<br />
Un total de 21 vestidos valorados en casi tres millones de dólares (más de dos millones de euros) y<br />
decenas de joyas, tanto personales como usadas sobre el escenario, componen una exhibición que<br />
para Francesca Valente, directora del Instituto Italiano de la Cultura (IIC), supone "un tesoro<br />
perdido".
Entre esas joyas destaca la corona que lució en el filme "Medea" (1969), de Pier Paolo Pasolini, o<br />
las diademas que llevó en la ópera "Norma" de Bellini, o en "Tosca".<br />
La muestra descansará a partir del año que viene en un museo dedicado a <strong>Callas</strong> en el barrio de<br />
Cannaregio, en el corazón de Venecia.<br />
Durante la presentación de la exhibición también se dio a conocer el lanzamiento del libro "La<br />
joven María <strong>Callas</strong>", un diario con extractos escritos por la diva, cumplimentado por los recuerdos<br />
de amigos íntimos a través de sus triunfos y estragos.<br />
Al evento acudió James Conlon, director musical de la Ópera de Los Ángeles, que llevó a cabo una<br />
lectura sobre <strong>Callas</strong> y Richard Wagner, el compositor que más brillo extrajo de la voz única de la<br />
soprano.<br />
También se recordaron las palabras del tenor español Plácido Domingo sobre <strong>Callas</strong>: "Si pienso en<br />
María <strong>Callas</strong> tengo un remordimiento: haber llegado tarde para haber tenido la experiencia de cantar<br />
junto a ella".<br />
La muestra "María <strong>Callas</strong>: una mujer, una voz, un mito", estará abierta al público desde hoy y<br />
hasta el 23 de abril en la sede del IIC de la ciudad californiana.<br />
Publicidad<br />
© 2010 Unidad Editorial
LIRICA<br />
CORRIERE DEL VENETO .it<br />
Maria <strong>Callas</strong>, cimeli a Los Angeles<br />
Poi il museo tornerà a Venezia<br />
L'Istituto italiano di cultura dedica alla <strong>Divina</strong> la<br />
mostra esposta per la prima volta in Laguna nel 1993<br />
Il curatore veneziano Bruno Tosi con le foto di Maria <strong>Callas</strong> (archivio)<br />
LOS ANGELES (Usa) - Era il 1958 quando Maria <strong>Callas</strong> si esibì per la prima volta a Los<br />
Angeles in uno straordinario concerto diretto da Nicola Rescigno. Cinquantadue anni dopo<br />
l’Istituto Italiano di Cultura dedica alla divina la mostra Maria <strong>Callas</strong>: Una donna, una voce,<br />
un mito. Cimeli, abiti di scena, documenti, gioielli, lettere, libri, fotografie d’archivio e filmati<br />
raccolti da Bruno Tosi hanno già fatto il giro del mondo. Esposta per la prima volta nel 1993 a<br />
Venezia, la mostra itinerante, che comprende fra l’altro ventuno vestiti per un valore di 3<br />
milioni di dollari e gioielli, sia personalmente appartenuti alla <strong>Callas</strong> sia di scena, si è<br />
spostata a Parigi, New York, Atene e Tokyo, ed ora arriva a Los Angeles grazie<br />
all’Associazione Culturale Maria <strong>Callas</strong>, alla collaborazione con la Los Angeles Opera, e ai<br />
Consolati Generali d’Italia e Grecia. Poi sarà a San Francisco e Montreal, e a partire dall’anno<br />
prossimo, tornerà a Venezia per diventare permanente, un museo dedicato alla grande<br />
soprano greca. In occasione dell’inaugurazione, l’Istituto Italiano di Cultura, che ospita la<br />
rassegna ha premiato con il Lifetime Achievement Award, James Conlon, direttore musicale<br />
della Los Angeles Opera,che ha tenuto una conferenza dedicata alla sorprendente coppia<br />
formata da Maria <strong>Callas</strong> e Richard Wagner, il compositore che forse più di ogni altro ha<br />
saputo valorizzare le eccezionali doti dell’indimenticabile <strong>Callas</strong>. La lettura fa parte del Ring<br />
Festival LA, festival dedicato all’Anello del Nibelungo di Wagner, al quale partecipano più di<br />
cento associazioni culturali, fra cui l’istituto di cultura italiano. «Abbiamo avuto l’onore - ha<br />
detto la direttrice dell’IIC Francesca Valente - di ospitare il primo evento del Ring Festival: la<br />
speciale lettura del Maestro Conlon e la mostra dedicata alla <strong>Callas</strong>, un’occasione unica per<br />
ricordare con emozione la storia e l’arte di una straordinaria soprano decantata da poeti ed<br />
artisti del calibro di Pasolini ed Enzo Cucchi». La mostra sarà a Los Angeles sino al 23 aprile.<br />
(fonte: Ansa)<br />
17 marzo 2010
MOSTRE:MARIA CALLAS,CIMELI A LOS ANGELES POI MUSEO A<br />
VENEZIA INAUGURATA A LOS ANGELES CON ABITI, DOCUMENTI,<br />
FOTOGRAFIE<br />
(ANSA) LOS ANGELES, 17 MAR - Era il 1958 quando Maria <strong>Callas</strong> si esibi' per la<br />
prima volta a Los Angeles in uno straordinario concerto diretto da Nicola Rescigno.<br />
Cinquantadue anni dopo l'Istituto Italiano di Cultura dedica alla divina la mostra<br />
Maria <strong>Callas</strong>: Una donna, una voce, un mito. Cimeli, abiti di scena, documenti, gioielli,<br />
lettere, libri, fotografie d'archivio e filmati raccolti da Bruno Tosi hanno gia' fatto il<br />
giro del mondo. Esposta per la prima volta nel 1993 a Venezia, la mostra itinerante, che<br />
comprende fra l'altro ventuno vestiti per un valore di 3 milioni di dollari e gioielli, sia<br />
personalmente appartenuti alla <strong>Callas</strong> sia di scena, si e' spostata a Parigi, New York,<br />
Atene e Tokyo, ed ora arriva a Los Angeles grazie all'Associazione Culturale Maria<br />
<strong>Callas</strong>, alla collaborazione con la Los Angeles Opera, e ai Consolati Generali<br />
d'Italia e Grecia. Poi sara' a San Francisco e Montreal, e a partire dall'anno prossimo,<br />
tornera' a Venezia per diventare permanente, un museo dedicato alla grande soprano<br />
greca.In occasione dell'inaugurazione, l'Istituto Italiano di Cultura, che ospita la rassegna<br />
ha premiato con il Lifetime Achievement Award, James Conlon, direttore musicale della<br />
Los Angeles Opera,che ha tenuto una conferenza dedicata alla sorprendente coppia<br />
formata da Maria <strong>Callas</strong> e Richard Wagner, il compositore che forse piu' di ogni altro ha<br />
saputo valorizzare le eccezionali doti dell'indimenticabile <strong>Callas</strong>. La lettura fa parte del<br />
Ring Festival LA, festival dedicato all'Anello del Nibelungo di Wagner, al quale<br />
partecipano piu' di cento associazioni culturali, fra cui l'istituto di cultura italiano.<br />
''Abbiamo avuto l'onore - ha detto la direttrice dell'IIC Francesca Valente - di ospitare il<br />
primo evento del Ring Festival: la speciale lettura del Maestro Conlon e la mostra<br />
dedicata alla <strong>Callas</strong>, un'occasione unica per ricordare con emozione la storia e l'arte di<br />
una straordinaria soprano decantata da poeti ed artisti del calibro di Pasolini ed Enzo<br />
Cucchi''. La mostra sara' a Los Angeles sino al 23 aprile.
A Night Dedicated to Maria <strong>Callas</strong><br />
Posted on 24 February 2010 by Anastasios Papapostolou ShareThis<br />
On Monday March 15th, the General Consulates of Greece and Italy in Los Angeles in collaboration with<br />
Istituto Italiano di Cultura, the Associazione Internazionale Maria <strong>Callas</strong>, Venice, and the LA Opera,<br />
organize an event to celebrate the life and music of Maria <strong>Callas</strong> in the context of the Ring Festival LA.<br />
Maria <strong>Callas</strong> was an American-born Greek soprano and one of the most renowned opera singers of the<br />
twentieth century. She combined an impressive bel canto technique with great dramatic gifts. An extremely<br />
versatile singer, her repertoire ranged from classical opera seria to the bel canto operas of Donizetti, Bellini,<br />
and Rossini; further, to the works of Verdi and Puccini; and, in her early career, the music dramas of<br />
Wagner. Her remarkable musical and dramatic talents led to her being hailed as La <strong>Divina</strong>.<br />
Born in New York City and raised by an overbearing mother, she received her musical education in Greece<br />
and established her career in Italy. Forced to deal with the exigencies of wartime poverty and with myopia<br />
that left her nearly blind on stage, she endured struggles and scandal over the course of her career. She<br />
turned herself from a heavy woman into a svelte and glamorous one after a mid-career weight loss, which<br />
might have contributed to her vocal decline and the premature end of her career. <strong>The</strong> press exulted in<br />
publicizing <strong>Callas</strong>’s allegedly temperamental behavior, her supposed rivalry with Renata Tebaldi, and her<br />
love affair with Aristotle Onassis. Her dramatic life and personal tragedy have often overshadowed <strong>Callas</strong><br />
the artist in the popular press. Her artistic achievements, however, were such that Leonard Bernstein called<br />
her ―<strong>The</strong> Bible of opera‖, and her influence so enduring that, in 2006, Opera News wrote of her, ―Nearly<br />
thirty years after her death, she’s still the definition of the diva as artist—and still one of classical music’s<br />
best-selling vocalists.‖<br />
<strong>The</strong> event includes the following presentation and exhibits.<br />
MARIA CALLAS & RICHARD WAGNER – A Surprising Couple Lecture by James Conlon, LA Opera’s<br />
Richard Seaver Music Director followed by the opening of MARIA CALLAS: A Woman, a Voice, a Myth<br />
Introduction by Bruno Tosi, President, Associazione Maria <strong>Callas</strong> Installation by Barton Myers Associates<br />
and Sussman/Prejza & Co. & presentation of <strong>The</strong> Young Maria <strong>Callas</strong> edited by Bruno Tosi (Guernica<br />
Editions, 2010)<br />
Monday, March 15, 2010 @ IIC<br />
6:30 pm lecture // 7:30 pm exhibit opening and book presentation<br />
Reception to follow - RSVP to (310) 443-3250 x.114 by Friday, March 12.
March 14, 2010 | Los Angeles<br />
Here's the Plan: 5 Things You Can't Miss This Week<br />
Los Angeles Events and Diversions<br />
LEARN<br />
Pinatas: a Lecture<br />
What: A talk (history, process, materials) and live demo led by enthusiast Sarah Bay Williams will make you an<br />
aficionado.<br />
Why: Visions of papier-mâché creatures filled with candy dancing in your head.<br />
When: Thurs., 8 p.m.<br />
Where: Machine Project, 1200 N. Alvarado St., at W. Sunset Blvd., ste. d, Echo Park (213-483-8761).<br />
HEAR<br />
Alicia Jo Rabins<br />
What: Front woman for the Brooklyn-based outfit Girls in Trouble goes solo out West.<br />
Why: A never-before-heard mix of violin looping and poetry will have you feeling plucky.<br />
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.<br />
Where: Bootleg <strong>The</strong>ater, 2220 Beverly Blvd., at Roselake Ave., Echo Park (213-389-3856).<br />
EAT<br />
Lunch at Hatfield’s<br />
What: <strong>The</strong> chic Melrose eatery now serves the bourgie foodie lunch crowd, featuring three-course, prix fixe meals<br />
along with a delectable selection of lighter lunches and gourmet salads.<br />
Why: <strong>The</strong> lobster club on toasted brioche. ’Nuff said.<br />
When: Mon.-Fri., 11:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m.<br />
Where: 6703 Melrose Ave., at N. Citrus Ave., Hollywood (323-935-2977).<br />
PARTY<br />
Gen Art L.A. Fashion Alumni Celebration<br />
What: <strong>The</strong>re’s no better way to kick off smashion week than at this stylist shindig honoring some of L.A.’s top<br />
designers, including Eduardo Lucero, Katy Rodriguez, and Project Runway’s Jeffrey Sebelia.<br />
Why: Free vino, gift bags, and some hot jams.<br />
When: Tues., 7-10 p.m.<br />
Where: Tropicana at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., at N. Orange Dr., Hollywood (323-466-<br />
7000).<br />
SEE<br />
Maria <strong>Callas</strong>: a Woman, a Voice, a Myth<br />
What: Peruse the possessions of the late great opera singer, including her extravagant stage costumes and jawdropping<br />
jewels, in this new exhibit.<br />
Why: Puts the diva in divine.<br />
When: Opens Tues. Thru Apr. 23. Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.<br />
Where: Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles, 1023 Hilgard Ave., at Weyburn Ave., Westwood (310-443-3250).<br />
Photo: Paul Sapiano / Flickr<br />
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IL NUOVO.it<br />
16:35 | Spettacolo<br />
<strong>Callas</strong>: cimeli in mostra a Los Angeles<br />
Nel 2011 torneranno a Venezia per creare un museo sulla <strong>Divina</strong><br />
(ANSA) - LOS ANGELES, 17 MAR - Cinquantadue anni dopo la prima<br />
esibizione a Los Angeles l'Istituto Italiano di Cultura dedica una mostra a<br />
Maria <strong>Callas</strong> fino al 23/4.Cimeli, abiti di scena, documenti, gioielli,<br />
lettere, libri, foto d'archivio e filmati raccolti da Bruno Tosi hanno gia'<br />
fatto il giro del mondo: esposti per la 1/a volta nel 1993 a Venezia si<br />
sono spostati a Parigi, New York, Atene e Tokyo. Andranno poi a San<br />
Francisco e Montreal e dal 2011 torneranno a Venezia per creare un<br />
museo sulla <strong>Divina</strong>.
D’Alfonso passa il testimone di Guernica<br />
Tra progetti cinematografici e scrittura, l’editore continuerà a<br />
curare la pubblicazione di nuovi libri<br />
Di CONCITA MINUTOLA<br />
Articolo pubblicato il: 2010-03-16<br />
TORONTO - Guernica Editions entra in una nuova fase della sua storia. Antonio D’Alfonso,<br />
fondatore della casa editrice, ha ceduto la proprietà a Connie Guzzo McParland e a Michael<br />
Mirolla, segretario e tesoriere della Association of Italian Canadians Writers. Per l’editore e<br />
scrittore italo-canadese non si è trattato di una decisione semplice, presa dall’oggi al domani, ma<br />
è il frutto di riflessioni maturate già da qualche anno. «Ho preso questa decisione perché penso<br />
prima di tutto al futuro della casa editrice. Ho cominciato questo lavoro seriamente, e voglio che<br />
continui così», dice Antonio D’Alfonso.<br />
«Abbiamo deciso di firmare a gennaio. Ho passato il testimone a Connie Guzzo McParland e<br />
Michael Mirolla perché vogliono fare qualcosa di importante. E poi Connie McParland e Michael<br />
Mirolla sono di origine calabrese e molisana, quindi la casa editrice rimane sotto la direzione di<br />
italiani, questa è una cosa molto bella».<br />
Guernica è stata fondata nel 1978, e dopo 32 anni il passaggio di proprietà non vuol dire rottura<br />
col passato. Antonio D’Alfonso continuerà comunque a lavorare al fianco dei due nuovi proprietari<br />
e amministratori, curando con loro le nuove iniziative editoriali. A testimoniare questa continuità è<br />
la recente pubblicazione del libro di Bruno Tosi <strong>The</strong> Young Maria <strong>Callas</strong>. «Abbiamo già<br />
cominciato a lavorare per la pubblicazione di questo bel libro, di cui sono molto felice - continua<br />
D’Alfonso, con la collaborazione dell’Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Los Angeles, San Francisco,<br />
Chicago, Washington e New York. Non possono cominciare da un momento all’altro da soli - è la<br />
sua riflessione - quindi sto lavorando moltissimo perché incomincino a lavorare bene».<br />
In oltre trent’anni e numerosi premi, non c’è un libro in particolare che conti più degli altri per<br />
D’Alfonso. «Ogni libro che ho pubblicato, onestamente, ogni libro è stato per me il più grande<br />
premio sulla Terra. Libri pubblicati con grande amore, con momenti di grande passione e<br />
d’amicizia. È come chiedere a un papà o a una mamma il suo figlio preferito, non posso, li amo<br />
tutti». In tutto, ricorda, fanno parte della “famiglia” di Guernica 480 libri e quasi 900 autori.
<strong>The</strong> First Art Newspaper on the Net Established in 1996<br />
Rare Exhibition of Maria <strong>Callas</strong>' Costumes, Jewelry, Photos and Memorabilia<br />
Monday, March 22, 2010<br />
Opera soprano Maria <strong>Callas</strong> played the title role in the film "Medea," which<br />
was shot in Rome, July 23, 1969. AP Photo/Massimo Sambucetti.<br />
LOS ANGELES, CA.- Just over fifty<br />
years since Maria <strong>Callas</strong>’ historic<br />
debut at the Shrine Auditorium in Los<br />
Angeles, the spirit of “La <strong>Divina</strong>”<br />
returns to the City of Angels at the<br />
Istituto Italiano di Cultura (Italian<br />
Cultural Institute/IIC) through April<br />
23, 2010 in the exhibition Maria<br />
<strong>Callas</strong>: A Woman, a Voice, a Myth and<br />
book release <strong>The</strong> Young Maria <strong>Callas</strong>,<br />
celebrating the greatest opera singer<br />
of the twentieth century.<br />
An impressive collection of Maria<br />
<strong>Callas</strong>’ historic stage costumes and<br />
personal attire, stunning jewels, rare documents, books and letters passionately gathered over many<br />
years by Bruno Tosi, President of the Associazione Maria <strong>Callas</strong>, as well as photographs lent by the<br />
Hellenic Parliament Foundation for Parliamentarism and Democracy, will be exhibited at the IIC in an<br />
installation created by Barton Myers Associates and Sussman/Prejza & Co. <strong>The</strong> exhibition is a must for<br />
all lovers of the arts, culture, opera, fashion, and design. <strong>The</strong> show will also include a special screening of<br />
the documentary BIOGRAPHY®: Maria <strong>Callas</strong> courtesy of the BIO. channel. Part of the exhibition will<br />
then travel to Venice, Italy to be installed in the soon to be inaugurated Maria <strong>Callas</strong> Museum at Scuola<br />
del Cristo, San Marcuola-Cannaregio.<br />
<strong>The</strong> heart of <strong>The</strong> Young Maria <strong>Callas</strong> is a previously unpublished diary full of her dreams as a young<br />
woman and complimented by the reminisces of friends who knew her well through her triumphs and<br />
struggles. <strong>The</strong> book is published with the support of all the Italian Cultural Institutes in the United States<br />
(San Francisco, Chicago, Washington, and New York). “In thinking of Maria <strong>Callas</strong>,” Plácido Domingo has<br />
said, “I have only one regret: being too late to have had the experience of singing with her.”<br />
Maria <strong>Callas</strong>: A Woman, a Voice, a Myth is organized by the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in collaboration<br />
with the Consulate General of Italy and the Consulate General of Greece, with Associazione Culturale<br />
Maria <strong>Callas</strong>, the Hellenic Parliament Foundation for Parliamentarism and Democracy, LA Opera, Patina<br />
V and designer Juan Carlos Malpeli, under the auspices of the City of Los Angeles, Department of<br />
Cultural Affairs and with the support of Fay and Frank Mancuso and the Italian Heritage Culture<br />
Foundation.
PAGE 14 A'![tdo,-Hmrr{t'm TIIURSDAY. MARCH 18. 2O1O<br />
MARI.A CALLAS: A WOMAN, A VOICE, A MYTH: In the context of Ring Festival Los Angeles<br />
A rare exhibition of the great opera singer's costumes, jewelry, photos and memorabilia<br />
RELEASE OF'LIMITED EDITION BOOK'THE YOUNG MARIA CALLAS'<br />
LOS ANGELES, CA*Just Washington, and New York). of study and hard work: finally<br />
over fifty years since Maria "In thinking of Maria <strong>Callas</strong>," she had began her intemational<br />
<strong>Callas</strong>' historic debut at the Plloido Domingo has said, "I career." Following the lecture,<br />
Shrine Auditorium in Los have only one regret: being too Mr. Conlon will receive the IIC<br />
Angeles, the spirit of "La late to have had the experience Lifetime Achievement Award<br />
<strong>Divina</strong>" returns to the City of ofsinging with her."<br />
for his outstanding lifelong<br />
Angels at the Istituto Italiano di James Conlon, LA Opera's activity and dedication to the<br />
Cultura (Italian Cultural Richard Seaver Music Director, afts. Conlon says, "Mria <strong>Callas</strong><br />
Institute/[C) March 16-April 23, gave a special l€ctue (by invita- was already one of the heroines<br />
2010 in the exhibition Maria tion only): Maria <strong>Callas</strong> and ofmy youth when I had the great<br />
<strong>Callas</strong>: A Woman, a Voice, a Richard Wagner: A Surprising fortune to meet her in the final<br />
Myth and book release <strong>The</strong> Couple, on March 15, 2010. yetr of my studies at the Juillitrd<br />
Young Muia <strong>Callas</strong>, celebrating Bruno Tosi comments, "As School. Having watched me<br />
the greatest opeta singer of the incredible as it may seem, Maria reheatse a production of La<br />
'r,6ifiofh.anhrn'<br />
An irnptessive collection of<br />
Maria <strong>Callas</strong>'historic stage costumes,<br />
stururing jewels, rare documents,<br />
books and letters passionately<br />
gathered over many<br />
years by Bruno Tosi, President<br />
of the Associazione Maria<br />
<strong>Callas</strong>, as well as pholographs<br />
lent by the Hellenic Parliament<br />
Foundation for Parliamentarism<br />
and Denocracy, will be exhibited<br />
at the IIC in an installation<br />
created by Barton Myers<br />
Associates ald Sussman/Prejza<br />
& Co. <strong>The</strong> exhibition is a must<br />
for all lovers of the arts, culture,<br />
opera, fashion, and design. <strong>The</strong><br />
show will also include a special<br />
screening of the documentary<br />
BIOGRAPHY@: Maria <strong>Callas</strong><br />
courtesy of the BIO. channel.<br />
Part of the exhibition will then<br />
travel to Venice, Italy to be<br />
installed in the soon to be inaugurated<br />
Maria <strong>Callas</strong> Museum at<br />
Scuola del Cristo, Sau Marcuola-<br />
Cannaregio.<br />
<strong>The</strong> heart of <strong>The</strong> Young<br />
<strong>Callas</strong> owes everything to Bohdme, she recommended to<br />
Maria <strong>Callas</strong> is a previously<br />
unpublished diary, full of her Richad Wagner, dating back to the president that I replace the<br />
dreams as a young wonan and a dark period of her extraordi- conductor who had withdrawr.<br />
complimented by the reminisces nary career. She atiained critical Her intervention at a critical<br />
of friends who knew her well success at 25 with her great per- momsnt brought about the break,<br />
through her tdumphs and strugformance as Isolde from Tristan which in essence initiated my<br />
gles. <strong>The</strong> book is published with and Isolde at La Fenioe <strong>The</strong>ater professional life. Her impact on<br />
the support of all the Italian in Venice on December 30, my life, both artistic and person-<br />
Cultual Institutes in the United 1947. She had only been singing al, has been immense."<br />
States (San Francisco, Chicago, a few months in Italy.after years Francesca Valente, IIC<br />
Consulate General of Italy Los Angeles<br />
<strong>The</strong> Consulate Goneral of Italy m los Angeles will impiemmt<br />
the second phme of the elecbonic pmsport project m4, starti[g on<br />
March 22nd 2010, will issue only the new type ofblomeric passport<br />
which will include, in addition to fre piptw€, thg holder's fingerprints.<br />
Thse elecbooic pssports will be vali4 for ten yffi.<br />
<strong>The</strong>refore from the above date, fellow citizeqs requesdng a psss- '<br />
port will trecessarily have to come. in person to the Consulste<br />
General to provide tbsir. fingerprints, This sewioe cannot be<br />
rendered by rhe Honorary Vice Consulates or Consular<br />
Conespondents.<br />
To reduce inconveniences and waiting periods, the Oeneral<br />
Consulate of ltaly in Los Angoles provides an online appointment<br />
scheduling qystem tlat catr be accessed ftrough the web page indicated<br />
below. <strong>The</strong> appohtments system has gteatly.contributed to<br />
the elimination of queuee and waiting pqriods, thus obtaining<br />
remukable approvals.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Consulate Gfleral of ltaly will continue to pursue solutions<br />
to frcilitate, withb the frarnwork of the nw laws, acces$ to the<br />
sorvices provided by tbe Ps$port offcg.". ,<br />
Link to the website of the Consulate Geaeial of Italy iu Los<br />
Angel€s for.appoinhnents wrth tho Pssrpo$ Olficei<br />
htg:i/www.corolosangoles.esteri.it/Consolato'LosAngelesMen<br />
u,il- Swizi/?or-i-ci ttadini/Pmsaportil.<br />
Subsaribe to<br />
T.rTio I o-Arnericrrlo -.i:i.:<br />
,r:"r'- l<br />
Director comments, "We like to<br />
thiuk that the great unforgettable<br />
soprano belongs to ltaly, as our<br />
country gradually transformed<br />
her from a shy, insecure Greek-<br />
American girl, born in New<br />
York, to a goudbreaking artist<br />
md sophisticated diva mder the<br />
magic wand of the legendary<br />
director Luchino Visconti. <strong>The</strong><br />
truth is that Maia <strong>Callas</strong> doesn't<br />
belong to the United States,<br />
Greece or italy, but to the entire<br />
world. Her legacy is miversal.".<br />
Elisabeth Fotiadou,'Consul<br />
General of Greece, agrees:<br />
"Mari.a <strong>Callas</strong> conbine{ an<br />
impressive bel canto technique<br />
with great drarnatic skills. This<br />
exhibition opens a door to ihe<br />
magic world of opera, which<br />
Maria <strong>Callas</strong> conquered earning<br />
the title of La <strong>Divina</strong>."<br />
Mqriq Callss: A lloman, a<br />
Voice, a Mylh is organized by<br />
the Istituto ltaliano di Cultum in<br />
collaboration with the Corxulate<br />
General of Italy and the<br />
Consulate General of Grepce,<br />
with Associazione Culturale<br />
Maria <strong>Callas</strong>, the Hellenic<br />
Parliament Foundation for<br />
Parliamentarism and Democracy,<br />
LA Opera, Patina V and.designer<br />
Juan Carlos Malpeli, under the<br />
auspices of the City of Los<br />
Angeles, Department of Cultual<br />
Affairs.and with tbe suppoi of<br />
Fay and Frank Mancuso and the<br />
Italian Heritage Culture<br />
Fouudation.<br />
<strong>The</strong> exhibitiou is free and<br />
open to the public Marcir 16-<br />
April 23,2010. Mondays<br />
through Thwsdays from lOam to<br />
6pm. Fridays from l0am to spm.<br />
Saturdays fiom 10am to 2pm.<br />
Italian Cultural Institute of<br />
Los Angeles, Galleria Spazio<br />
Italia 1023 Hilgard Avenue Los<br />
Angeles, CA 90024 (Westwood)<br />
Tel. (310) 443-3250 Email:<br />
iicla@esteri.it (more)<br />
Istituto Italieno di Culturl<br />
(Italian Cultural Institute)<br />
<strong>The</strong> Italian Cultural lnstitute<br />
(IlC) ofLos Angeles, directed<br />
by Francesca Valente, is one of<br />
five government cultural agencies<br />
established iD the Unit€d<br />
States by the Italian MinistD/ of<br />
Foreign Affairs. Founded in<br />
1984, the Institute acts as a cultural<br />
bridge between ltaly and<br />
the US, in a multifaceted perspective.<br />
IIC is a ceuter for cultural<br />
and academic actiyities, a<br />
school of Italian language and<br />
cultue, and a center for art exhibitions,<br />
film screenings and<br />
videos. It promotes the translation<br />
of ltalian authors by encouraging<br />
local publishers and makes<br />
the public aware of Italian<br />
artists, as well as literary contests<br />
md awads.<br />
ltalian Consul General and Los Angeles COM.IT.ES. to visit<br />
Italian American Community of San Pedro By Ben Piazza<br />
<strong>The</strong> Italian Consulate General<br />
of Los Angeles and the Los<br />
Angeles COM.lT.ES., along<br />
with the Harbor area Italian<br />
America orgoizing comittee,<br />
have annowced that a comunity<br />
wide meeting md semintr will<br />
take place in San Pedro this<br />
coming March 26 at the very<br />
welcoming auditorium facilities<br />
of Mry Star of the Sea Church,<br />
located at 870 W. 8th Street in<br />
San Pedro.<br />
<strong>The</strong> meeting is scheduled to<br />
start promptly at 6:00pm with<br />
several impbrtant subjects to<br />
address. <strong>The</strong> first being the<br />
opportmity for Consul General<br />
of Italy, Nicola Fagmello to formally<br />
meet with lhe Hrbor area<br />
and San Pedro Italian American<br />
Community. Secondly, for the<br />
local Los Angeles COM.IT.ES.<br />
to address the Harbor area residents<br />
on its varied functions as<br />
well as its main role of seniug<br />
ald represerting Italian citizens<br />
in the southwestern part of the<br />
United States. And thirdly, and<br />
most significantly, for the Italiar<br />
consular staff to convey and<br />
infomr the largest concenlration<br />
of Italian Americms in Southem<br />
Califomia on the numerous services<br />
offered by its office, as<br />
well as to entertain questions<br />
ftom the audience pertaining to<br />
specific issues, etc. In addition,<br />
an introduction will be made of<br />
representatives of the "patronati"<br />
UIL md ACAI who will join the<br />
proceedings and identify, for the<br />
benefit of the audience, the vrious<br />
entitlements benefiting<br />
Italian citizens.<br />
Although COM.IT.ES. is<br />
widely known to represent<br />
Italian citizens wherever they<br />
find themelves away ftom their<br />
home country, not many may<br />
recognize the fact that the organiation<br />
acts m their local representativ€<br />
to the worldwid.e<br />
organization known as<br />
"Consiglio Generale degli<br />
Italiani all'Estero" md, though<br />
this entity, both to the Italian<br />
Parlianent as well as the six parliamentary<br />
seats allocated to<br />
Italian citizens livhg abroad.<br />
Additionalty, and as further<br />
infonnation to the readers, the<br />
Los Angeles COM.IT.ES., as<br />
origiually envisaged by Italian<br />
legislation, and designed to<br />
extend legal rights and representation<br />
to Italian citizens living<br />
abroad, functions as the main<br />
intemediary between the thousands<br />
of Italian citizens living in<br />
the Los Angeles Consular circmscription,<br />
which includes not<br />
only Southern California but<br />
also Arizona, Nevada and New<br />
Mexico, and its consular representatives<br />
as well as other Italian<br />
slate organizations functioning<br />
abroad.<br />
Locally, the cment Board of<br />
COM.IT.ES. members consists<br />
ofa president, a secrctary, a heasurer,<br />
a regional vice president<br />
and ten couselors, all of whom<br />
have been either directly elected<br />
by past fomal elections by eligible<br />
voters or "co-opted" from the<br />
community at large and representing<br />
Italian American organi<br />
zations.<br />
For altendance and/or<br />
inquiries regarding this very<br />
importatrt md infonnative meeting,<br />
readers are requested to<br />
RSVP not later than March 22<br />
by calling (310) 691-8907 or ernail<br />
at comites@comitesla.n€t
Maria <strong>Callas</strong> Maria <strong>Callas</strong><br />
Maria <strong>Callas</strong> was an American-born opera star famed for her dramatic skill, her fiery<br />
temperament and her romance with Aristotle Onassis. M aria <strong>Callas</strong> era una stella nata operaamericana<br />
famosa per la sua abilità drammatica, il suo temperamento focoso e la sua storia<br />
d'amore con Aristotele Onassis.<br />
Critics hailed her for bringing operatic acting to new theatrical heights and revitalizing the bel<br />
canto repertory. I critici la salutò per portare in qualità lirico a nuove altezze teatrali e il<br />
rilancio del repertorio bel canto.<br />
In 1937 her mother took her to Greece where they were stranded by the outbreak of World War<br />
II. Nel 1937 sua madre la portò in Grecia, dove sono stati bloccati essi dallo scoppio della<br />
seconda guerra mondiale. <strong>The</strong>re she was awarded a scholarship at the National Conservatory<br />
and began a serious study of music. Ci ha vinto una borsa di studio al Conservatorio Nazionale<br />
e ha iniziato uno studio serio della musica.<br />
<strong>Callas</strong> made her debut in Pietro Mascagni's "Cavalleria Rusticana" at the Royal Opera House<br />
in Athens at 15. <strong>Callas</strong> fece il suo debutto in Pietro Mascagni "Cavalleria Rusticana" alla<br />
Royal Opera House di Atene a 15 anni. But her career really began when the great La Scala<br />
Opera House of Milan offered her a role in "Aida" and then signed her as a member of the<br />
company in 1951. Ma la sua carriera iniziò proprio quando il grande Teatro alla Scala di<br />
Milano le ha offerto un ruolo in "Aida" e quindi la sua firma in qualità di membro della società<br />
nel 1951.<br />
She made her American debut in 1954 performing the title role of Bellini's "Norma" at
Chicago's Lyric <strong>The</strong>ater and in 1956 made her first appearance at the Metropolitan Opera in<br />
the same role. Ha fatto il suo debutto americano, nel 1954 svolge il ruolo titolo di Bellini<br />
"Norma" di Chicago Lyric <strong>The</strong>ater e nel 1956 ha fatto la sua prima apparizione al Metropolitan<br />
Opera nel ruolo stesso.<br />
<strong>The</strong> dark-eyed diva was also famed as "opera's bad girl" because she walked out on so many<br />
performances in her career. La diva dagli occhi scuri era anche famoso come "cattiva ragazza<br />
di Opera", perché uscì sugli spettacoli tanti nella sua carriera.<br />
She battled with managers and conductors — including well-published duels with the<br />
Metropolitan Opera's Rudolf Bing over contracts and what roles she should sing. Ha<br />
combattuto con i gestori e conduttori - tra cui ben pubblicati duelli con la Metropolitan Opera<br />
di Rudolf Bing su contratti e quali ruoli avrebbe dovuto cantare.<br />
During her career <strong>Callas</strong> sang a remarkably broad repertory, encompassing lyric, dramatic and<br />
coloratura roles mostly in Italian. Durante la sua carriera <strong>Callas</strong> ha cantato un repertorio assai<br />
ampio, che comprenda lirico, drammatico e ruoli di coloratura prevalentemente in italiano.<br />
Early in her career she played such Wagnerian heroines as Isolde, Bruennhilde and Kundry.<br />
All'inizio della sua carriera ha giocato come eroine wagneriane come Isolde, Bruennhilde e<br />
Kundry. In later years, however, she concentrated on Lucia, Lady Macbeth, Violetta in "La<br />
Traviata," Medea, Anna Bolena and Tosca. Negli anni successivi, però, si è concentrata su<br />
Lucia, Lady Macbeth, Violetta in "La Traviata", Medea, Anna Bolena e Tosca.<br />
She made numerous recordings, including 19 complete operas and 10 albums of operatic<br />
selections. Ha fatto numerose registrazioni, di cui 19 opere complete e 10 album di selezioni<br />
d'opera.<br />
<strong>Callas</strong> retired from concert singing in 1966 because of ill health. <strong>Callas</strong> si ritirò dal canto<br />
concerto nel 1966 a causa di cattiva salute. She returned briefly to the stage in 1973 and 1974.<br />
Tornò brevemente sul palco nel 1973 e 1974. She was greeted with enthusiasm by sellout<br />
audiences, but many critics were disappointed. Lei è stata accolta con entusiasmo da un<br />
pubblico tutto esaurito, ma molti critici sono stati delusi.<br />
— Los Angeles Times Sept. - Los Angeles Times settembre 17, 1977 17, 1977
Just over fifty years since Maria <strong>Callas</strong>’ historic debut at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles,<br />
the spirit of “La <strong>Divina</strong>” returns to the City of Angels at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura (Italian<br />
Cultural Institute/IIC) in the exhibition Maria <strong>Callas</strong>: A Woman, a Voice, a Myth and book<br />
release <strong>The</strong> Young Maria <strong>Callas</strong>, celebrating the greatest opera singer of the twentieth century. This<br />
exhibit is free to the public and is currently running at the IIC in Westwood until April 23, 2010.<br />
An impressive collection of Maria <strong>Callas</strong>’ historic stage costumes, stunning jewels, rare<br />
documents, books and letters passionately gathered over many years by Bruno Tosi, President of<br />
the Associazione Maria <strong>Callas</strong>, as well as photographs lent by the Hellenic Parliament Foundation<br />
for Parliamentarism and Democracy, will be exhibited at the IIC in an installation created by<br />
Barton Myers Associates and Sussman/Prejza & Co.<br />
This elegant exhibition is a must for all lovers of the arts, culture, opera, fashion, and design. <strong>The</strong><br />
show will also include a special screening of the documentary BIOGRAPHY®: Maria <strong>Callas</strong><br />
courtesy of the BIO. channel. Part of the exhibition will then travel to Venice, Italy to be installed in<br />
the soon to be inaugurated Maria <strong>Callas</strong> Museum at Scuola del Cristo, San Marcuola-Cannaregio.<br />
At the heart of <strong>The</strong> Young Maria <strong>Callas</strong> is her previously unpublished diary full of her dreams as a<br />
young woman and complemented by the reminisces of friends who knew her well through her<br />
triumphs and struggles. This book is published with the support of all the Italian Cultural<br />
Institutes in the United States (San Francisco, Chicago, Washington, and New York).<br />
“In thinking of Maria <strong>Callas</strong>,” Plácido Domingo has said, “I have only one regret: being too late to<br />
have had the experience of singing with her.”<br />
On opening night of the exhibiton, James Conlon, LA Opera’s Richard Seaver Music Director,<br />
gave a special lecture entitled: Maria <strong>Callas</strong> and Richard Wagner: A Surprising Couple, on March<br />
15, 2010.<br />
Following the lecture, Mr. Conlon received the IIC Lifetime Achievement Award for his<br />
outstanding lifelong activity and dedication to the arts.<br />
Conlon says, “Maria <strong>Callas</strong> was already one of the heroines of my youth when I had the great<br />
fortune to meet her in the final year of my studies at the Juilliard School. Having watched me<br />
rehearse a production of La Bohème, she recommended to the president that I replace the conductor
who had withdrawn. Her intervention at a critical moment brought about the break, which in<br />
essence initiated my professional life. Her impact on my life, both artistic and personal, has been<br />
immense.”<br />
Francesca Valente, IIC Director comments, “We like to think that the great unforgettable soprano<br />
belongs to Italy, as our country gradually transformed her from a shy, insecure Greek-American<br />
girl, born in New York, to a groundbreaking artist and sophisticated diva under the magic wand of<br />
the legendary director Luchino Visconti. <strong>The</strong> truth is that Maria <strong>Callas</strong> doesn’t belong to the United<br />
States, Greece or Italy, but to the entire world. Her legacy is universal.”<br />
Elisabeth Fotiadou, Consul General of Greece, agrees: “Maria <strong>Callas</strong> combined an impressive bel<br />
canto technique with great dramatic skills. This exhibition opens a door to the magic world of<br />
opera, which Maria <strong>Callas</strong> conquered earning the title of La <strong>Divina</strong>.”<br />
Maria <strong>Callas</strong>: A Woman, a Voice, a Myth is organized by the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in<br />
collaboration with the Consulate General of Italy and the Consulate General of Greece, with<br />
Associazione Culturale Maria <strong>Callas</strong>, the Hellenic Parliament Foundation for Parliamentarism and<br />
Democracy, LA Opera, Patina V and designer Juan Carlos Malpeli, under the auspices of the City<br />
of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs and with the support of Frank Mancuso and the<br />
Italian Heritage Culture Foundation.<br />
<strong>The</strong> exhibition is free and open to the public until April 23, 2010. Monday through Thursday from<br />
10am to 6pm. Friday from 10am to 5pm. Saturday from 10am to 2pm.<br />
Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles<br />
Galleria Spazio Italia<br />
1023 Hilgard Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90024 (Westwood)<br />
Tel. (310) 443-3250<br />
Email: iicla@esteri.it<br />
Istituto Italiano di Cultura (Italian Cultural Institute)<br />
<strong>The</strong> Italian Cultural Institute (IIC) of Los Angeles, directed by Francesca Valente, is one of five<br />
government cultural agencies established in the United States by the Italian Ministry of Foreign<br />
Affairs. Founded in 1984, the Institute acts as a cultural bridge between Italy and the US, in a<br />
multifaceted perspective. IIC is a center for cultural and academic activities, a school of Italian<br />
language and culture, and a center for art exhibitions, film screenings and videos. It promotes the<br />
translation of Italian authors by encouraging local publishers and makes the public aware of Italian<br />
artists, as well as literary contests and awards.<br />
Report by Pauline Adamek