One hundred years since Maria Callas’ birth, her immortal voice continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Despite the passage of a century, the Greek diva’s enchanting presence and unparalleled talent are being revived on stage through the marvel of holography, a technology that has recently made its debut in Australia—a country Callas never had the opportunity to visit.
In a recent Melbourne concert at Hamer Hall, Callas shared the stage with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Daniel Schlosberg, creating a unique musical and visual “marriage.”
Through the magic of technology, Callas’ hologram came to life, harmonising seamlessly with live orchestral music.
The concert featured a selection of arias from operas such as Norma (Bellini), Carmen (Bizet), Tosca (Puccini), and La Gioconda (Ponchielli), offering both first-time listeners and lifelong fans a glimpse into Callas’ indisputable vocal prowess and reminding them of why she earned the title “La Divina.”
Attending the concert was an incredible experience, and it held immense significance for the Greek community as Australia paid tribute to Callas, acknowledging her enduring contributions to opera, music, and art.
While the audience was aware that Callas herself was not physically present on stage, closing one’s eyes could evoke the sense of her ethereal presence.
Reflecting on the fortunate ones who witnessed her live during the peak of her career, the holographic concerts, celebrating EU-Australia cultural relations, provide a modern opportunity for those who never had that chance to experience the magic of Callas.
These holographic performances not only serve as a contemporary twist to the live orchestra experience but also contribute to preserving Callas’ memory and legacy.
They highlight her ongoing global artistic impact, encapsulated in the holographic representation that allows her to live on—a sweet testament to what her ex-husband once described as the “sweetest expression of femininity and art.”
