2023-06-29 03:02:25
The relationship between Maria Callas and Verona is the focus of the exhibition “100 Volte Callas” (100 times Callas), which was inaugurated on the occasion of the 100th birthday of the legendary soprano (1923-1977) in the Palazzo della Gran Guardia in Piazza Bra in Verona is. A crucial period in the singer’s life is highlighted, namely the period from 1947 to 1949, which she spent in Verona.
On August 2, 1947, Maria Callas was the protagonist of Amilcare Ponchielli’s opera “La Gioconda” on the stage of the Arena di Verona. She was invited by Giovanni Zenatello, who founded the opera festival in the Arena in 1913. In Verona Callas met art patron Giovanni Battista Meneghini, who would become her husband two years later. Maria Callas, who aspired to an international career and went down in the annals of opera, moved to Zevio near Verona. By 1954 she had made seven appearances at the arena.
Stage photos document Maria Callas’ private life during this crucial period. Photographer Filippo Tommasoli took the pictures, two of which have not yet been published. The exhibition was curated by Tommasol’s grandson, who bears his grandfather’s name. The pictures testify to a highlight in the life of Maria Callas and her connection to the city of Verona.
The material on display comes from the Tommasoli Archives and the Maria Callas Lyrical Interpretative Academy of Zevio. The exhibition, organized under the patronage of the Municipality of Verona, can be visited until August 30th.
In addition to Callas’ birthday, the Verona Arena Opera Festival is also celebrating its 100th edition this summer with a packed programme. For the first time, eight operas will be performed in the old Roman amphitheater instead of just five as in previous years. In two cases it is regarding new productions. The program also includes five gala evenings. The artistic director Cecilia Gasdia, who has headed the Arena Foundation since 2018, hopes that her ambitious program, which will run from June 16 to September 9, will be well received, also internationally.
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