To mark the centenary of her birth, Warner Classics will release the most comprehensive collection of her recordings in a new limited-edition deluxe box comprising her studio recordings, live recordings, masterclasses, videos, and a bonus CD of previously unheard material. ‘La Divina – Maria Callas in all her roles’ is released on 22 September
On 2 December 2023, the world will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Maria Callas, the American-born Greek soprano who became one of the most famous cultural figures of the 20th century. Known to the world as “La Divina” (‘the Divine one’), Callas continues to fascinate audiences worldwide, both as a supreme artist and as one of the most celebrated women of her time. To mark the centenary of her birth, Warner Classics, the custodian of Maria Callas’ discography, will release the most comprehensive collection of her recordings ever on 22 September 2023. Comprising 131 CDs, 3 Blu-ray discs and 1 DVD, LA DIVINA: Maria Callas in all her roles, is the most complete box of Callas recordings ever released, comprising all 74 roles for which audio documents exist. It includes her complete studio recordings, an extensive collection of her best live recordings, the masterclasses she gave at the Juilliard School and videos. The label also plans to release Dolby Atmos editions of all of Callas’ studio opera recordings. A notable part of the set is a bonus CD of previously unreleased alternate takes and working sessions from studio recordings of the 1960s. These studio sessions in London and Paris were intended to allow Callas to rework her voice to counteract the difficulties she experienced in her later years. Several hours of raw material give a never-seen-before glimpse into Callas’ interactions with conductor, orchestra and producer in the studio, positive and energetic even as her voice started to fail. Alongside the CD boxed set, Warner Classics is making Callas’ entire studio opera recordings available for streaming in Dolby Atmos immersive audio for the very first time and reissuing on vinyl full-length opera recordings of Callas in some of her most iconic roles: Norma, Carmen, Tosca and Turandot. Additionally, new digital, CD and LP compilations have been created to mark the centenary, including limited-edition coloured and picture disc vinyl. You can view the full range of Callas recordings and products at https://www.warnerclassics.com/artist/maria-callas/releases.Callas captivated audiences worldwide with her extraordinary vocal range, agility, power and emotional expressiveness. She infused her performances with a high level of dramatic intensity and stage presence, fully inhabiting her roles and bringing a new level of acting and theatricality to opera. She also expanded the operatic repertoire by championing lesser-known works and reviving neglected masterpieces, fearlessly taking risks and exploring new territories in opera, reshaping the genre in the process.Her artistic choices, love affairs, style, and conflicts with opera houses and directors made headlines around the world. Issues such as her weight and looks, her strained relationship with an overbearing mother and a tumultuous love affair with and betrayal by the shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis were subjects of intense media scrutiny, propelling her further into the public consciousness.Today, Maria Callas’ legacy and influence continue to resonate. Her recordings are considered definitive interpretations of many operatic works, and her dramatic approach to singing has influenced subsequent generations of opera singers who seek to emulate her style and artistry.Warner Classics’ monumental collection comes as arts institutions around the world celebrate the star. Callas described her relationship with London audiences as a “love affair”. The city is paying tribute to her legacy in the current Diva exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and last week the Royal Opera House – where Callas starred no less than six times – opened Callas at Covent Garden, a showcase of Callas’ career highlights through photographs and anecdotes. In November, English National Opera presents Marina Abramović’s production 7 Deaths of Maria Callas. In Callas’ home country, Greek National Opera is presenting a series of opera productions and events dedicated to celebrating her legacy, and later this summer, a museum dedicated to Callas opens in her hometown, Athens. Major events are planned across Europe and USA.
This limited-edition set is available to pre-order now at https://w.lnk.to/ladivina
La Divina: Maria Callas in all her roles is available from Warner Classics on 22 September: https://w.lnk.to/ladivina