Maria Callas

Soprano who defined modern opera

Facts

• Born: 1923
• Country: United States
• Field: Music
• Era: Golden Age

Overview

Greek American soprano whose bel canto revivals at La Scala and theaters worldwide reset expectations for operatic drama. Signature roles include Norma, Tosca, Violetta, and Lucia. Her recordings from the 1950s remain reference versions of the repertoire. Her artistry is credited with restoring dramatic intensity to opera and with making opera singers subjects of mainstream celebrity in the 1950s.