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American and Greek soprano (1923–1977)

"Callas" redirects here. For other uses, see Callas (disambiguation).

Maria Callas^[a]Commendatore OMRI (born Maria Anna Cecilia Sofia Kalogeropoulos;^[b] December 2, 1923 – September 16, 1977) was an American and Greek soprano^[2] and one of the most renowned and influential opera singers of the 20th century. Many critics praised her bel canto technique, wide-ranging voice and dramatic interpretations. Her repertoire ranged from classical opera seria to the bel canto operas of Donizetti, Bellini, and Rossini, and further to the works of Verdi and Puccini, and in her early career to the music dramas of Wagner. Her musical and dramatic talents led to her being hailed as La Divina ("The Divine One").

Born in Manhattan and raised in Astoria, Queens, New York City, to Greek immigrant parents, she was raised by an overbearing mother who had wanted a son. Maria received her musical education in Greece at age 13 and later established her career in Italy. Forced to deal with the exigenci

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