The new film “Maria,” directed by Pablo Larraín and featuring Angelina Jolie as the iconic opera singer Maria Callas, opens with a poignant depiction of Callas’s death. The real-life Callas passed away in her Paris apartment on September 16, 1977, at the age of 53 due to a heart attack. Notably, an obituary in the New York Times reported that Callas had expressed concerns about her health ahead of her passing, although some of her associates claimed she was in good condition and actively preparing to publish her autobiography.
Following her death, a funeral service was held at the Saint Stephen’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Paris, attended by prominent figures such as Grace Kelly and her daughter, Princess Caroline of Monaco. The funeral underscored Callas’s immense status as a transformative figure in the world of opera.
After her cremation, Callas’s ashes were temporarily placed in the Columbarium at the Père Lachaise Cemetery. In an event of dramatic irony, her urn was stolen shortly after but was fortunately recovered within hours. Ultimately, Callas’s ashes were scattered in the Aegean Sea off the island of Skorpios in June 1979, in accordance with her wishes.
In a passionate statement made in 1957, Callas expressed her deep connection to her Greek roots, asserting, “First and foremost, I belong to the Greek people.” She sought to be remembered as a serious artist, rejecting the notion of being an angel or devil, and instead insisting on her identity as a complex woman and artist deserving of serious appraisal.
This film not only serves as a tribute to Callas’s illustrious career but also highlights her profound connection to her heritage and her desire to be recognized for her artistry. As audiences reflect on her life and legacy, there is a chance for renewed appreciation of the depth of Callas’s contributions to music and her cultural impact.