The legacy of Maria Callas is well and truly alive Down Under as the Maria Callas Australian Society held its official launch two years on from its establishment, coinciding with a timely screening of the 2024 biopic on the legendary opera singer’s life.
The Society, which was founded by Roma Siachos (its inaugural President) in the centenary year of the singer’s birth (2023), is now up and running and it celebrated the milestone in spectacular fashion.
Its launch coincided with the Ithacan Historical Society’s Fundraiser screening last Sunday at Palace Cinema Como of the Netflix film on Callas’ life, ‘Maria (2024), starring Angelina Jolie.
This event was presented in collaboration with AHEPA Australia and the Greek Community of Melbourne.
It was a fitting way to launch as the Society shares a common element with the film in the form of Melbourne-born soprano Christiana Aloneftis, who provides the voice of Maria Callas in the picture and is the organisation’s official Ambassador.
The artist appeared virtually on the day from Germany, having earlier announced on her Instagram page her sincere pleasure in being appointed in the role.
“It is my great honour to announce that I’ve been appointed Ambassador of the newly-formed Maria Callas Australia Society,” Aloneftis’ post said.
“Together, it is our greatest mission to promote and perpetuate Callas’ artistic legacy through a series of performances, educational activities, international collaborations and scholarships, in due course.”
The Society’s president and founder, Roma Siachos, spoke at the screening and shared her delight in contributing to the ongoing celebration and acknowledgement of Callas.
“Maria Callas is a legend – a woman who needs no introduction. A name that, wherever it is heard, evokes awe, admiration and a respect that transcends the boundaries of opera,” Siachos said.
“She loved with all her soul and hurt deeply. And yet, even through the difficulties, her greatness never faded. She left behind a legacy that continues to move and inspire us.”
Siachos stated they aim to keep Callas’ memory alive and honour her art while inspiring new generations of artists in Australia.
“Working closely with the Maria Callas Museum and the Maria Callas Greek Society in Athens, the Greek Community of Melbourne and others, we are working to spread her greatness and strengthen the presence of opera in our lives,” she said.
“Together, let us keep her music alive and the meaning of the eternal diva’s existence alive.”
