Now Showing | The Original Diva - Callas Divina

By WILLIAM VAN METER
Maria Callas
Cecil Beaton
Now Showing | The Original Diva
March 17, 2010, 3:40 pm
In a world where Miley Cyrus is considered a diva, a stroll through “Maria Callas: A Woman,
a Voice, a Myth” is a refreshing detour. Now here is a woman who was both talent and
tempest.
The exhibition, at Los Angeles‟s Italian Cultural Institute, is composed of artifacts from
Callas‟s life both onstage and off. Standouts include the costume jewelry she wore in her role
as Medea — golden chains adorned with archaic totems of bull‟s heads and horned gods —
and the black velvet Yves Saint Laurent gown from her master class. Also on display is
Callas‟s correspondence and her personal wardrobe, which was often as dramatic and regal as
her opera regalia; she had a penchant for capes and caftans.
“Her voice was unique,” says the institute‟s director, Francesca Valente, “even though it was
criticized sometimes. Toscanini said she had a little bit of vinegar in her voice when she was interpreting Lady
Macbeth.”
Earlier this week, at the opening reception held by the Italian Cultural
Institute, Callas‟s arias were piped through the sound system, heavenly
blue lights were projected skyward, and the formally attired guests
munched on a selection of Italian and Greek hors-d‟oeuvres. (Callas was
an American of Greek heritage but had strong connections to Italy
through her art.) Beaming behind thick glasses was the president of the
Associazione Maria Callas and editor of the new book “The Young
Maria Callas,” Bruno Tosi, Courtesy of the Italian Cultural Institute
Stage costumes worn in “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” (left) and in “Tosca.”
who also curated the show. The toughest items to find, he said, happened
to be the last dresses Callas performed in before her death in 1977. Tosi
had to wait for her husband to die to snatch them up at auction.
Stage costumes worn in “Il Barbiere di
Siviglia” (left) and in “Tosca.” Courtesy of IIC
This was actually Tosi‟s second brush with the renowned soprano. An exhibition he curated back in 1996 was
destroyed in the fire that consumed Venice‟s La Fenice opera house.
“Luckily, all of the letters were kept in a separate archive,” Tosi says breathlessly, “such as the love letters Pasolini
wrote her when they were filming „Medea.‟”
“Maria Callas: A Woman, a Voice, a Myth” is on view through April 23.
http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/17/now-showing-the-original-diva/?scp=1&sq=maria%20callas&st=Search

América | elmundo.es
Líder mundial en español
CULTURA | Una exhibición 'de valor extraordinario'
Los vestidos y las joyas de María Callas llegan a la ciudad de
Los Ángeles
Efe | Los Ángeles
Actualizado martes 16/03/2010 09:47 horas
Más de 50 años después del debut de María Callas en Los Ángeles, el espíritu de "La Divina"
regresó anoche a esa ciudad gracias a una exhibición "de valor extraordinario" con vestidos y
joyas de sus actuaciones y algunas de sus pertenencias más preciadas.
La muestra, que reúne también fotografías, documentos inéditos, libros y cartas, llega a Los
Ángeles tras recorrer desde 1993 ciudades como Nueva York, Atenas, Roma, Tokio o México.
Entre los vestidos más llamativos de la colección sobresale el granate que portó la gran soprano
durante la interpretación de la ópera "Tosca", de Puccini, en escenarios como el Covent Garden de
Londres (1964), la Ópera Nacional de París o el Metropolitan de Nueva York (ambas en 1965).
También destaca el flamenco en color amarillo que llevó como Rosina en "El barbero de Sevilla"
de Rossini, en La Scala de Milán (1956); las diferentes tonalidades de verde para "La Traviata" de
Verdi, en Nueva York (1966); el turquesa para su última actuación en Londres (1974), o el rojo
claro de la última vez que se subió a un escenario, en Tokio (1974).
Un total de 21 vestidos valorados en casi tres millones de dólares (más de dos millones de euros) y
decenas de joyas, tanto personales como usadas sobre el escenario, componen una exhibición que
para Francesca Valente, directora del Instituto Italiano de la Cultura (IIC), supone "un tesoro
perdido".

Entre esas joyas destaca la corona que lució en el filme "Medea" (1969), de Pier Paolo Pasolini, o
las diademas que llevó en la ópera "Norma" de Bellini, o en "Tosca".
La muestra descansará a partir del año que viene en un museo dedicado a Callas en el barrio de
Cannaregio, en el corazón de Venecia.
Durante la presentación de la exhibición también se dio a conocer el lanzamiento del libro "La
joven María Callas", un diario con extractos escritos por la diva, cumplimentado por los recuerdos
de amigos íntimos a través de sus triunfos y estragos.
Al evento acudió James Conlon, director musical de la Ópera de Los Ángeles, que llevó a cabo una
lectura sobre Callas y Richard Wagner, el compositor que más brillo extrajo de la voz única de la
soprano.
También se recordaron las palabras del tenor español Plácido Domingo sobre Callas: "Si pienso en
María Callas tengo un remordimiento: haber llegado tarde para haber tenido la experiencia de cantar
junto a ella".
La muestra "María Callas: una mujer, una voz, un mito", estará abierta al público desde hoy y
hasta el 23 de abril en la sede del IIC de la ciudad californiana.
Publicidad
© 2010 Unidad Editorial

LIRICA
CORRIERE DEL VENETO .it
Maria Callas, cimeli a Los Angeles
Poi il museo tornerà a Venezia
L'Istituto italiano di cultura dedica alla Divina la
mostra esposta per la prima volta in Laguna nel 1993
Il curatore veneziano Bruno Tosi con le foto di Maria Callas (archivio)
LOS ANGELES (Usa) - Era il 1958 quando Maria Callas si esibì per la prima volta a Los
Angeles in uno straordinario concerto diretto da Nicola Rescigno. Cinquantadue anni dopo
l’Istituto Italiano di Cultura dedica alla divina la mostra Maria Callas: Una donna, una voce,
un mito. Cimeli, abiti di scena, documenti, gioielli, lettere, libri, fotografie d’archivio e filmati
raccolti da Bruno Tosi hanno già fatto il giro del mondo. Esposta per la prima volta nel 1993 a
Venezia, la mostra itinerante, che comprende fra l’altro ventuno vestiti per un valore di 3
milioni di dollari e gioielli, sia personalmente appartenuti alla Callas sia di scena, si è
spostata a Parigi, New York, Atene e Tokyo, ed ora arriva a Los Angeles grazie
all’Associazione Culturale Maria Callas, alla collaborazione con la Los Angeles Opera, e ai
Consolati Generali d’Italia e Grecia. Poi sarà a San Francisco e Montreal, e a partire dall’anno
prossimo, tornerà a Venezia per diventare permanente, un museo dedicato alla grande
soprano greca. In occasione dell’inaugurazione, l’Istituto Italiano di Cultura, che ospita la
rassegna ha premiato con il Lifetime Achievement Award, James Conlon, direttore musicale
della Los Angeles Opera,che ha tenuto una conferenza dedicata alla sorprendente coppia
formata da Maria Callas e Richard Wagner, il compositore che forse più di ogni altro ha
saputo valorizzare le eccezionali doti dell’indimenticabile Callas. La lettura fa parte del Ring
Festival LA, festival dedicato all’Anello del Nibelungo di Wagner, al quale partecipano più di
cento associazioni culturali, fra cui l’istituto di cultura italiano. «Abbiamo avuto l’onore - ha
detto la direttrice dell’IIC Francesca Valente - di ospitare il primo evento del Ring Festival: la
speciale lettura del Maestro Conlon e la mostra dedicata alla Callas, un’occasione unica per
ricordare con emozione la storia e l’arte di una straordinaria soprano decantata da poeti ed
artisti del calibro di Pasolini ed Enzo Cucchi». La mostra sarà a Los Angeles sino al 23 aprile.
(fonte: Ansa)
17 marzo 2010

MOSTRE:MARIA CALLAS,CIMELI A LOS ANGELES POI MUSEO A
VENEZIA INAUGURATA A LOS ANGELES CON ABITI, DOCUMENTI,
FOTOGRAFIE
(ANSA) LOS ANGELES, 17 MAR - Era il 1958 quando Maria Callas si esibi' per la
prima volta a Los Angeles in uno straordinario concerto diretto da Nicola Rescigno.
Cinquantadue anni dopo l'Istituto Italiano di Cultura dedica alla divina la mostra
Maria Callas: Una donna, una voce, un mito. Cimeli, abiti di scena, documenti, gioielli,
lettere, libri, fotografie d'archivio e filmati raccolti da Bruno Tosi hanno gia' fatto il
giro del mondo. Esposta per la prima volta nel 1993 a Venezia, la mostra itinerante, che
comprende fra l'altro ventuno vestiti per un valore di 3 milioni di dollari e gioielli, sia
personalmente appartenuti alla Callas sia di scena, si e' spostata a Parigi, New York,
Atene e Tokyo, ed ora arriva a Los Angeles grazie all'Associazione Culturale Maria
Callas, alla collaborazione con la Los Angeles Opera, e ai Consolati Generali
d'Italia e Grecia. Poi sara' a San Francisco e Montreal, e a partire dall'anno prossimo,
tornera' a Venezia per diventare permanente, un museo dedicato alla grande soprano
greca.In occasione dell'inaugurazione, l'Istituto Italiano di Cultura, che ospita la rassegna
ha premiato con il Lifetime Achievement Award, James Conlon, direttore musicale della
Los Angeles Opera,che ha tenuto una conferenza dedicata alla sorprendente coppia
formata da Maria Callas e Richard Wagner, il compositore che forse piu' di ogni altro ha
saputo valorizzare le eccezionali doti dell'indimenticabile Callas. La lettura fa parte del
Ring Festival LA, festival dedicato all'Anello del Nibelungo di Wagner, al quale
partecipano piu' di cento associazioni culturali, fra cui l'istituto di cultura italiano.
''Abbiamo avuto l'onore - ha detto la direttrice dell'IIC Francesca Valente - di ospitare il
primo evento del Ring Festival: la speciale lettura del Maestro Conlon e la mostra
dedicata alla Callas, un'occasione unica per ricordare con emozione la storia e l'arte di
una straordinaria soprano decantata da poeti ed artisti del calibro di Pasolini ed Enzo
Cucchi''. La mostra sara' a Los Angeles sino al 23 aprile.

A Night Dedicated to Maria Callas
Posted on 24 February 2010 by Anastasios Papapostolou ShareThis
On Monday March 15th, the General Consulates of Greece and Italy in Los Angeles in collaboration with
Istituto Italiano di Cultura, the Associazione Internazionale Maria Callas, Venice, and the LA Opera,
organize an event to celebrate the life and music of Maria Callas in the context of the Ring Festival LA.
Maria Callas was an American-born Greek soprano and one of the most renowned opera singers of the
twentieth century. She combined an impressive bel canto technique with great dramatic gifts. An extremely
versatile singer, her repertoire ranged from classical opera seria to the bel canto operas of Donizetti, Bellini,
and Rossini; further, to the works of Verdi and Puccini; and, in her early career, the music dramas of
Wagner. Her remarkable musical and dramatic talents led to her being hailed as La Divina.
Born in New York City and raised by an overbearing mother, she received her musical education in Greece
and established her career in Italy. Forced to deal with the exigencies of wartime poverty and with myopia
that left her nearly blind on stage, she endured struggles and scandal over the course of her career. She
turned herself from a heavy woman into a svelte and glamorous one after a mid-career weight loss, which
might have contributed to her vocal decline and the premature end of her career. The press exulted in
publicizing Callas’s allegedly temperamental behavior, her supposed rivalry with Renata Tebaldi, and her
love affair with Aristotle Onassis. Her dramatic life and personal tragedy have often overshadowed Callas
the artist in the popular press. Her artistic achievements, however, were such that Leonard Bernstein called
her ―The Bible of opera‖, and her influence so enduring that, in 2006, Opera News wrote of her, ―Nearly
thirty years after her death, she’s still the definition of the diva as artist—and still one of classical music’s
best-selling vocalists.‖
The event includes the following presentation and exhibits.
MARIA CALLAS & RICHARD WAGNER – A Surprising Couple Lecture by James Conlon, LA Opera’s
Richard Seaver Music Director followed by the opening of MARIA CALLAS: A Woman, a Voice, a Myth
Introduction by Bruno Tosi, President, Associazione Maria Callas Installation by Barton Myers Associates
and Sussman/Prejza & Co. & presentation of The Young Maria Callas edited by Bruno Tosi (Guernica
Editions, 2010)
Monday, March 15, 2010 @ IIC
6:30 pm lecture // 7:30 pm exhibit opening and book presentation
Reception to follow - RSVP to (310) 443-3250 x.114 by Friday, March 12.

March 14, 2010 | Los Angeles
Here's the Plan: 5 Things You Can't Miss This Week
Los Angeles Events and Diversions
LEARN
Pinatas: a Lecture
What: A talk (history, process, materials) and live demo led by enthusiast Sarah Bay Williams will make you an
aficionado.
Why: Visions of papier-mâché creatures filled with candy dancing in your head.
When: Thurs., 8 p.m.
Where: Machine Project, 1200 N. Alvarado St., at W. Sunset Blvd., ste. d, Echo Park (213-483-8761).
HEAR
Alicia Jo Rabins
What: Front woman for the Brooklyn-based outfit Girls in Trouble goes solo out West.
Why: A never-before-heard mix of violin looping and poetry will have you feeling plucky.
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Where: Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd., at Roselake Ave., Echo Park (213-389-3856).
EAT
Lunch at Hatfield’s
What: The chic Melrose eatery now serves the bourgie foodie lunch crowd, featuring three-course, prix fixe meals
along with a delectable selection of lighter lunches and gourmet salads.
Why: The lobster club on toasted brioche. ’Nuff said.
When: Mon.-Fri., 11:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m.
Where: 6703 Melrose Ave., at N. Citrus Ave., Hollywood (323-935-2977).
PARTY
Gen Art L.A. Fashion Alumni Celebration
What: There’s no better way to kick off smashion week than at this stylist shindig honoring some of L.A.’s top
designers, including Eduardo Lucero, Katy Rodriguez, and Project Runway’s Jeffrey Sebelia.
Why: Free vino, gift bags, and some hot jams.
When: Tues., 7-10 p.m.
Where: Tropicana at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., at N. Orange Dr., Hollywood (323-466-
7000).
SEE
Maria Callas: a Woman, a Voice, a Myth
What: Peruse the possessions of the late great opera singer, including her extravagant stage costumes and jawdropping
jewels, in this new exhibit.
Why: Puts the diva in divine.
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.
Where: Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles, 1023 Hilgard Ave., at Weyburn Ave., Westwood (310-443-3250).
Photo: Paul Sapiano / Flickr
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IL NUOVO.it
16:35 | Spettacolo
Callas: cimeli in mostra a Los Angeles
Nel 2011 torneranno a Venezia per creare un museo sulla Divina
(ANSA) - LOS ANGELES, 17 MAR - Cinquantadue anni dopo la prima
esibizione a Los Angeles l'Istituto Italiano di Cultura dedica una mostra a
Maria Callas fino al 23/4.Cimeli, abiti di scena, documenti, gioielli,
lettere, libri, foto d'archivio e filmati raccolti da Bruno Tosi hanno gia'
fatto il giro del mondo: esposti per la 1/a volta nel 1993 a Venezia si
sono spostati a Parigi, New York, Atene e Tokyo. Andranno poi a San
Francisco e Montreal e dal 2011 torneranno a Venezia per creare un
museo sulla Divina.

D’Alfonso passa il testimone di Guernica
Tra progetti cinematografici e scrittura, l’editore continuerà a
curare la pubblicazione di nuovi libri
Di CONCITA MINUTOLA
Articolo pubblicato il: 2010-03-16
TORONTO - Guernica Editions entra in una nuova fase della sua storia. Antonio D’Alfonso,
fondatore della casa editrice, ha ceduto la proprietà a Connie Guzzo McParland e a Michael
Mirolla, segretario e tesoriere della Association of Italian Canadians Writers. Per l’editore e
scrittore italo-canadese non si è trattato di una decisione semplice, presa dall’oggi al domani, ma
è il frutto di riflessioni maturate già da qualche anno. «Ho preso questa decisione perché penso
prima di tutto al futuro della casa editrice. Ho cominciato questo lavoro seriamente, e voglio che
continui così», dice Antonio D’Alfonso.
«Abbiamo deciso di firmare a gennaio. Ho passato il testimone a Connie Guzzo McParland e
Michael Mirolla perché vogliono fare qualcosa di importante. E poi Connie McParland e Michael
Mirolla sono di origine calabrese e molisana, quindi la casa editrice rimane sotto la direzione di
italiani, questa è una cosa molto bella».
Guernica è stata fondata nel 1978, e dopo 32 anni il passaggio di proprietà non vuol dire rottura
col passato. Antonio D’Alfonso continuerà comunque a lavorare al fianco dei due nuovi proprietari
e amministratori, curando con loro le nuove iniziative editoriali. A testimoniare questa continuità è
la recente pubblicazione del libro di Bruno Tosi The Young Maria Callas. «Abbiamo già
cominciato a lavorare per la pubblicazione di questo bel libro, di cui sono molto felice - continua
D’Alfonso, con la collaborazione dell’Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Los Angeles, San Francisco,
Chicago, Washington e New York. Non possono cominciare da un momento all’altro da soli - è la
sua riflessione - quindi sto lavorando moltissimo perché incomincino a lavorare bene».
In oltre trent’anni e numerosi premi, non c’è un libro in particolare che conti più degli altri per
D’Alfonso. «Ogni libro che ho pubblicato, onestamente, ogni libro è stato per me il più grande
premio sulla Terra. Libri pubblicati con grande amore, con momenti di grande passione e
d’amicizia. È come chiedere a un papà o a una mamma il suo figlio preferito, non posso, li amo
tutti». In tutto, ricorda, fanno parte della “famiglia” di Guernica 480 libri e quasi 900 autori.

The First Art Newspaper on the Net Established in 1996
Rare Exhibition of Maria Callas' Costumes, Jewelry, Photos and Memorabilia
Monday, March 22, 2010
Opera soprano Maria Callas played the title role in the film "Medea," which
was shot in Rome, July 23, 1969. AP Photo/Massimo Sambucetti.
LOS ANGELES, CA.- Just over fifty
years since Maria Callas’ historic
debut at the Shrine Auditorium in Los
Angeles, the spirit of “La Divina”
returns to the City of Angels at the
Istituto Italiano di Cultura (Italian
Cultural Institute/IIC) through April
23, 2010 in the exhibition Maria
Callas: A Woman, a Voice, a Myth and
book release The Young Maria Callas,
celebrating the greatest opera singer
of the twentieth century.
An impressive collection of Maria
Callas’ historic stage costumes and
personal attire, stunning jewels, rare documents, books and letters passionately gathered over many
years by Bruno Tosi, President of the Associazione Maria Callas, as well as photographs lent by the
Hellenic Parliament Foundation for Parliamentarism and Democracy, will be exhibited at the IIC in an
installation created by Barton Myers Associates and Sussman/Prejza & Co. The exhibition is a must for
all lovers of the arts, culture, opera, fashion, and design. The show will also include a special screening of
the documentary BIOGRAPHY®: Maria Callas courtesy of the BIO. channel. Part of the exhibition will
then travel to Venice, Italy to be installed in the soon to be inaugurated Maria Callas Museum at Scuola
del Cristo, San Marcuola-Cannaregio.
The heart of The Young Maria Callas is a previously unpublished diary full of her dreams as a young
woman and complimented by the reminisces of friends who knew her well through her triumphs and
struggles. The book is published with the support of all the Italian Cultural Institutes in the United States
(San Francisco, Chicago, Washington, and New York). “In thinking of Maria Callas,” Plácido Domingo has
said, “I have only one regret: being too late to have had the experience of singing with her.”
Maria Callas: A Woman, a Voice, a Myth is organized by the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in collaboration
with the Consulate General of Italy and the Consulate General of Greece, with Associazione Culturale
Maria Callas, the Hellenic Parliament Foundation for Parliamentarism and Democracy, LA Opera, Patina
V and designer Juan Carlos Malpeli, under the auspices of the City of Los Angeles, Department of
Cultural Affairs and with the support of Fay and Frank Mancuso and the Italian Heritage Culture
Foundation.

PAGE 14 A'![tdo,-Hmrr{t'm TIIURSDAY. MARCH 18. 2O1O
MARI.A CALLAS: A WOMAN, A VOICE, A MYTH: In the context of Ring Festival Los Angeles
A rare exhibition of the great opera singer's costumes, jewelry, photos and memorabilia
RELEASE OF'LIMITED EDITION BOOK'THE YOUNG MARIA CALLAS'
LOS ANGELES, CA*Just Washington, and New York). of study and hard work: finally
over fifty years since Maria "In thinking of Maria Callas," she had began her intemational
Callas' historic debut at the Plloido Domingo has said, "I career." Following the lecture,
Shrine Auditorium in Los have only one regret: being too Mr. Conlon will receive the IIC
Angeles, the spirit of "La late to have had the experience Lifetime Achievement Award
Divina" returns to the City of ofsinging with her."
for his outstanding lifelong
Angels at the Istituto Italiano di James Conlon, LA Opera's activity and dedication to the
Cultura (Italian Cultural Richard Seaver Music Director, afts. Conlon says, "Mria Callas
Institute/[C) March 16-April 23, gave a special l€ctue (by invita- was already one of the heroines
2010 in the exhibition Maria tion only): Maria Callas and ofmy youth when I had the great
Callas: A Woman, a Voice, a Richard Wagner: A Surprising fortune to meet her in the final
Myth and book release The Couple, on March 15, 2010. yetr of my studies at the Juillitrd
Young Muia Callas, celebrating Bruno Tosi comments, "As School. Having watched me
the greatest opeta singer of the incredible as it may seem, Maria reheatse a production of La
'r,6ifiofh.anhrn'
An irnptessive collection of
Maria Callas'historic stage costumes,
stururing jewels, rare documents,
books and letters passionately
gathered over many
years by Bruno Tosi, President
of the Associazione Maria
Callas, as well as pholographs
lent by the Hellenic Parliament
Foundation for Parliamentarism
and Denocracy, will be exhibited
at the IIC in an installation
created by Barton Myers
Associates ald Sussman/Prejza
& Co. The exhibition is a must
for all lovers of the arts, culture,
opera, fashion, and design. The
show will also include a special
screening of the documentary
BIOGRAPHY@: Maria Callas
courtesy of the BIO. channel.
Part of the exhibition will then
travel to Venice, Italy to be
installed in the soon to be inaugurated
Maria Callas Museum at
Scuola del Cristo, Sau Marcuola-
Cannaregio.
The heart of The Young
Callas owes everything to Bohdme, she recommended to
Maria Callas is a previously
unpublished diary, full of her Richad Wagner, dating back to the president that I replace the
dreams as a young wonan and a dark period of her extraordi- conductor who had withdrawr.
complimented by the reminisces nary career. She atiained critical Her intervention at a critical
of friends who knew her well success at 25 with her great per- momsnt brought about the break,
through her tdumphs and strugformance as Isolde from Tristan which in essence initiated my
gles. The book is published with and Isolde at La Fenioe Theater professional life. Her impact on
the support of all the Italian in Venice on December 30, my life, both artistic and person-
Cultual Institutes in the United 1947. She had only been singing al, has been immense."
States (San Francisco, Chicago, a few months in Italy.after years Francesca Valente, IIC
Consulate General of Italy Los Angeles
The Consulate Goneral of Italy m los Angeles will impiemmt
the second phme of the elecbonic pmsport project m4, starti[g on
March 22nd 2010, will issue only the new type ofblomeric passport
which will include, in addition to fre piptw€, thg holder's fingerprints.
Thse elecbooic pssports will be vali4 for ten yffi.
Therefore from the above date, fellow citizeqs requesdng a psss- '
port will trecessarily have to come. in person to the Consulste
General to provide tbsir. fingerprints, This sewioe cannot be
rendered by rhe Honorary Vice Consulates or Consular
Conespondents.
To reduce inconveniences and waiting periods, the Oeneral
Consulate of ltaly in Los Angoles provides an online appointment
scheduling qystem tlat catr be accessed ftrough the web page indicated
below. The appohtments system has gteatly.contributed to
the elimination of queuee and waiting pqriods, thus obtaining
remukable approvals.
The Consulate Gfleral of ltaly will continue to pursue solutions
to frcilitate, withb the frarnwork of the nw laws, acces$ to the
sorvices provided by tbe Ps$port offcg.". ,
Link to the website of the Consulate Geaeial of Italy iu Los
Angel€s for.appoinhnents wrth tho Pssrpo$ Olficei
htg:i/www.corolosangoles.esteri.it/Consolato'LosAngelesMen
u,il- Swizi/?or-i-ci ttadini/Pmsaportil.
Subsaribe to
T.rTio I o-Arnericrrlo -.i:i.:
,r:"r'- l
Director comments, "We like to
thiuk that the great unforgettable
soprano belongs to ltaly, as our
country gradually transformed
her from a shy, insecure Greek-
American girl, born in New
York, to a goudbreaking artist
md sophisticated diva mder the
magic wand of the legendary
director Luchino Visconti. The
truth is that Maia Callas doesn't
belong to the United States,
Greece or italy, but to the entire
world. Her legacy is miversal.".
Elisabeth Fotiadou,'Consul
General of Greece, agrees:
"Mari.a Callas conbine{ an
impressive bel canto technique
with great drarnatic skills. This
exhibition opens a door to ihe
magic world of opera, which
Maria Callas conquered earning
the title of La Divina."
Mqriq Callss: A lloman, a
Voice, a Mylh is organized by
the Istituto ltaliano di Cultum in
collaboration with the Corxulate
General of Italy and the
Consulate General of Grepce,
with Associazione Culturale
Maria Callas, the Hellenic
Parliament Foundation for
Parliamentarism and Democracy,
LA Opera, Patina V and.designer
Juan Carlos Malpeli, under the
auspices of the City of Los
Angeles, Department of Cultual
Affairs.and with tbe suppoi of
Fay and Frank Mancuso and the
Italian Heritage Culture
Fouudation.
The exhibitiou is free and
open to the public Marcir 16-
April 23,2010. Mondays
through Thwsdays from lOam to
6pm. Fridays from l0am to spm.
Saturdays fiom 10am to 2pm.
Italian Cultural Institute of
Los Angeles, Galleria Spazio
Italia 1023 Hilgard Avenue Los
Angeles, CA 90024 (Westwood)
Tel. (310) 443-3250 Email:
iicla@esteri.it (more)
Istituto Italieno di Culturl
(Italian Cultural Institute)
The Italian Cultural lnstitute
(IlC) ofLos Angeles, directed
by Francesca Valente, is one of
five government cultural agencies
established iD the Unit€d
States by the Italian MinistD/ of
Foreign Affairs. Founded in
1984, the Institute acts as a cultural
bridge between ltaly and
the US, in a multifaceted perspective.
IIC is a ceuter for cultural
and academic actiyities, a
school of Italian language and
cultue, and a center for art exhibitions,
film screenings and
videos. It promotes the translation
of ltalian authors by encouraging
local publishers and makes
the public aware of Italian
artists, as well as literary contests
md awads.
ltalian Consul General and Los Angeles COM.IT.ES. to visit
Italian American Community of San Pedro By Ben Piazza
The Italian Consulate General
of Los Angeles and the Los
Angeles COM.lT.ES., along
with the Harbor area Italian
America orgoizing comittee,
have annowced that a comunity
wide meeting md semintr will
take place in San Pedro this
coming March 26 at the very
welcoming auditorium facilities
of Mry Star of the Sea Church,
located at 870 W. 8th Street in
San Pedro.
The meeting is scheduled to
start promptly at 6:00pm with
several impbrtant subjects to
address. The first being the
opportmity for Consul General
of Italy, Nicola Fagmello to formally
meet with lhe Hrbor area
and San Pedro Italian American
Community. Secondly, for the
local Los Angeles COM.IT.ES.
to address the Harbor area residents
on its varied functions as
well as its main role of seniug
ald represerting Italian citizens
in the southwestern part of the
United States. And thirdly, and
most significantly, for the Italiar
consular staff to convey and
infomr the largest concenlration
of Italian Americms in Southem
Califomia on the numerous services
offered by its office, as
well as to entertain questions
ftom the audience pertaining to
specific issues, etc. In addition,
an introduction will be made of
representatives of the "patronati"
UIL md ACAI who will join the
proceedings and identify, for the
benefit of the audience, the vrious
entitlements benefiting
Italian citizens.
Although COM.IT.ES. is
widely known to represent
Italian citizens wherever they
find themelves away ftom their
home country, not many may
recognize the fact that the organiation
acts m their local representativ€
to the worldwid.e
organization known as
"Consiglio Generale degli
Italiani all'Estero" md, though
this entity, both to the Italian
Parlianent as well as the six parliamentary
seats allocated to
Italian citizens livhg abroad.
Additionalty, and as further
infonnation to the readers, the
Los Angeles COM.IT.ES., as
origiually envisaged by Italian
legislation, and designed to
extend legal rights and representation
to Italian citizens living
abroad, functions as the main
intemediary between the thousands
of Italian citizens living in
the Los Angeles Consular circmscription,
which includes not
only Southern California but
also Arizona, Nevada and New
Mexico, and its consular representatives
as well as other Italian
slate organizations functioning
abroad.
Locally, the cment Board of
COM.IT.ES. members consists
ofa president, a secrctary, a heasurer,
a regional vice president
and ten couselors, all of whom
have been either directly elected
by past fomal elections by eligible
voters or "co-opted" from the
community at large and representing
Italian American organi
zations.
For altendance and/or
inquiries regarding this very
importatrt md infonnative meeting,
readers are requested to
RSVP not later than March 22
by calling (310) 691-8907 or ernail
at comites@comitesla.n€t

Maria Callas Maria Callas
Maria Callas was an American-born opera star famed for her dramatic skill, her fiery
temperament and her romance with Aristotle Onassis. M aria Callas era una stella nata operaamericana
famosa per la sua abilità drammatica, il suo temperamento focoso e la sua storia
d'amore con Aristotele Onassis.
Critics hailed her for bringing operatic acting to new theatrical heights and revitalizing the bel
canto repertory. I critici la salutò per portare in qualità lirico a nuove altezze teatrali e il
rilancio del repertorio bel canto.
In 1937 her mother took her to Greece where they were stranded by the outbreak of World War
II. Nel 1937 sua madre la portò in Grecia, dove sono stati bloccati essi dallo scoppio della
seconda guerra mondiale. There she was awarded a scholarship at the National Conservatory
and began a serious study of music. Ci ha vinto una borsa di studio al Conservatorio Nazionale
e ha iniziato uno studio serio della musica.
Callas made her debut in Pietro Mascagni's "Cavalleria Rusticana" at the Royal Opera House
in Athens at 15. Callas fece il suo debutto in Pietro Mascagni "Cavalleria Rusticana" alla
Royal Opera House di Atene a 15 anni. But her career really began when the great La Scala
Opera House of Milan offered her a role in "Aida" and then signed her as a member of the
company in 1951. Ma la sua carriera iniziò proprio quando il grande Teatro alla Scala di
Milano le ha offerto un ruolo in "Aida" e quindi la sua firma in qualità di membro della società
nel 1951.
She made her American debut in 1954 performing the title role of Bellini's "Norma" at

Chicago's Lyric Theater and in 1956 made her first appearance at the Metropolitan Opera in
the same role. Ha fatto il suo debutto americano, nel 1954 svolge il ruolo titolo di Bellini
"Norma" di Chicago Lyric Theater e nel 1956 ha fatto la sua prima apparizione al Metropolitan
Opera nel ruolo stesso.
The dark-eyed diva was also famed as "opera's bad girl" because she walked out on so many
performances in her career. La diva dagli occhi scuri era anche famoso come "cattiva ragazza
di Opera", perché uscì sugli spettacoli tanti nella sua carriera.
She battled with managers and conductors — including well-published duels with the
Metropolitan Opera's Rudolf Bing over contracts and what roles she should sing. Ha
combattuto con i gestori e conduttori - tra cui ben pubblicati duelli con la Metropolitan Opera
di Rudolf Bing su contratti e quali ruoli avrebbe dovuto cantare.
During her career Callas sang a remarkably broad repertory, encompassing lyric, dramatic and
coloratura roles mostly in Italian. Durante la sua carriera Callas ha cantato un repertorio assai
ampio, che comprenda lirico, drammatico e ruoli di coloratura prevalentemente in italiano.
Early in her career she played such Wagnerian heroines as Isolde, Bruennhilde and Kundry.
All'inizio della sua carriera ha giocato come eroine wagneriane come Isolde, Bruennhilde e
Kundry. In later years, however, she concentrated on Lucia, Lady Macbeth, Violetta in "La
Traviata," Medea, Anna Bolena and Tosca. Negli anni successivi, però, si è concentrata su
Lucia, Lady Macbeth, Violetta in "La Traviata", Medea, Anna Bolena e Tosca.
She made numerous recordings, including 19 complete operas and 10 albums of operatic
selections. Ha fatto numerose registrazioni, di cui 19 opere complete e 10 album di selezioni
d'opera.
Callas retired from concert singing in 1966 because of ill health. Callas si ritirò dal canto
concerto nel 1966 a causa di cattiva salute. She returned briefly to the stage in 1973 and 1974.
Tornò brevemente sul palco nel 1973 e 1974. She was greeted with enthusiasm by sellout
audiences, but many critics were disappointed. Lei è stata accolta con entusiasmo da un
pubblico tutto esaurito, ma molti critici sono stati delusi.
— Los Angeles Times Sept. - Los Angeles Times settembre 17, 1977 17, 1977

Just over fifty years since Maria Callas’ historic debut at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles,
the spirit of “La Divina” returns to the City of Angels at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura (Italian
Cultural Institute/IIC) in the exhibition Maria Callas: A Woman, a Voice, a Myth and book
release The Young Maria Callas, celebrating the greatest opera singer of the twentieth century. This
exhibit is free to the public and is currently running at the IIC in Westwood until April 23, 2010.
An impressive collection of Maria Callas’ historic stage costumes, stunning jewels, rare
documents, books and letters passionately gathered over many years by Bruno Tosi, President of
the Associazione Maria Callas, as well as photographs lent by the Hellenic Parliament Foundation
for Parliamentarism and Democracy, will be exhibited at the IIC in an installation created by
Barton Myers Associates and Sussman/Prejza & Co.
This elegant exhibition is a must for all lovers of the arts, culture, opera, fashion, and design. The
show will also include a special screening of the documentary BIOGRAPHY®: Maria Callas
courtesy of the BIO. channel. Part of the exhibition will then travel to Venice, Italy to be installed in
the soon to be inaugurated Maria Callas Museum at Scuola del Cristo, San Marcuola-Cannaregio.
At the heart of The Young Maria Callas is her previously unpublished diary full of her dreams as a
young woman and complemented by the reminisces of friends who knew her well through her
triumphs and struggles. This book is published with the support of all the Italian Cultural
Institutes in the United States (San Francisco, Chicago, Washington, and New York).
“In thinking of Maria Callas,” Plácido Domingo has said, “I have only one regret: being too late to
have had the experience of singing with her.”
On opening night of the exhibiton, James Conlon, LA Opera’s Richard Seaver Music Director,
gave a special lecture entitled: Maria Callas and Richard Wagner: A Surprising Couple, on March
15, 2010.
Following the lecture, Mr. Conlon received the IIC Lifetime Achievement Award for his
outstanding lifelong activity and dedication to the arts.
Conlon says, “Maria Callas was already one of the heroines of my youth when I had the great
fortune to meet her in the final year of my studies at the Juilliard School. Having watched me
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
essence initiated my professional life. Her impact on my life, both artistic and personal, has been
immense.”
Francesca Valente, IIC Director comments, “We like to think that the great unforgettable soprano
belongs to Italy, as our country gradually transformed her from a shy, insecure Greek-American
girl, born in New York, to 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.”
Elisabeth Fotiadou, Consul General of Greece, agrees: “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.”
Maria Callas: A Woman, a Voice, a Myth is organized by the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in
collaboration with the Consulate General of Italy and the Consulate General of Greece, with
Associazione Culturale Maria Callas, the Hellenic Parliament Foundation for Parliamentarism and
Democracy, LA Opera, Patina V and designer Juan Carlos Malpeli, under the auspices of the City
of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs and with the support of Frank Mancuso and the
Italian Heritage Culture Foundation.
The exhibition is free and open to the public until April 23, 2010. Monday through Thursday from
10am to 6pm. Friday from 10am to 5pm. Saturday from 10am to 2pm.
Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles
Galleria Spazio Italia
1023 Hilgard Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90024 (Westwood)
Tel. (310) 443-3250
Email: iicla@esteri.it
Istituto Italiano di Cultura (Italian Cultural Institute)
The Italian Cultural Institute (IIC) of Los Angeles, directed by Francesca Valente, is one of five
government cultural agencies established in the United States by the Italian Ministry of Foreign
Affairs. Founded in 1984, the Institute acts as a cultural bridge between Italy and the US, in a
multifaceted perspective. IIC is a center for cultural and academic activities, a school of Italian
language and culture, and a center for art exhibitions, film screenings and videos. It promotes the
translation of Italian authors by encouraging local publishers and makes the public aware of Italian
artists, as well as literary contests and awards.
Report by Pauline Adamek