A TRIBUTE TO MARIA CALLAS AT THE VILLA KÉRYLOS IN BEAULIEU-SUR-MER

Until 3 September

This summer, the Villa Kérylos in Beaulieu-sur-Mer is introducing us to an intimate world of a truly great lady, an icon. On the occasion of Maria Callas’ birth centenary, the Centre of National Monuments is exhibiting some precious objects and photographs witnessing life and the success milestones of this Diva. The “diva assoluta” was born of Greek parents who emigrated to New York.

Specially for the event, the collector Nikos Haralambopoulos is lending documents previously unseen by the public, the legendary opera singer’s property. Some thirty objects are thus bearing witness to her triumphs and great life moments in the sumptuous setting of the Villa Kérylos. Costumes, clothes, partitions, photographs, posters and letters from her many admirers are all on display.

The name Maria Callas evokes more than just an extraordinary voice. The dramatic talent of the Diva who performed Norma, Tosca, Medea and Violetta on the world’s most prestigious stages is truly overwhelming. She intensely lived the tragic destiny of her opera heroines, making lyrical singing into an art of its own. And the audience invariably shared feelings and emotions of her characters.

The Villa Kérylos is a dream setting for all these memories. Looking at Violetta’s gloves that Maria Callas wore in Verdi’s “La Traviata” is truly emotional.

Maria Callas, a modern icon. The Nikos Haralambopoulos collection

Villa Kérylos

Impasse Gustave Eiffel, Beaulieu-sur-Mer