13 October 2012, Casta Diva: The Life, Loves and Music of Maria Callas
The life of Maria Callas is, fittingly, the stuff of opera. Scaling the glittering heights of her worldwide fame as the most important female classical artist in recent history to the tragic lows of her later years, Casta Diva brings her dramatic story to the Irish stage.
Even with only the voice of an offstage narrator and picture projections, the life-story of Callas is utterly compelling. From her early years in Greece with a pushy mother to her meteoric rise to the top of the opera world and her tormented love affairs, it is a tale of high theatre and poetry; an aria of an existence. The love triangle between Callas, Greek billionaire Aristotle Onassis and American icon Jackie Kennedy is possibly the most devastating, hopelessly romantic and ill fated; a relationship that will change her life and artistry forever.
Irish soprano Mairéad Buicke takes over the role of Callas from Regina Nathan, after rave reviews for her performance in the title role of Tosca for Grange Park Opera (UK) and most recently performing at the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.
The Limerick-born opera singer proves to be as much of a star in her own right, honouring the memory of Callas without mimicry. Dressed in an array of sparkling gowns, her stunning performance captured the sadness at the heart of such a glamorous life. Singing Catalani’s Ebben? Ne andro Lontano as a farewell to Onassis, Buicke brings a chilling darkness that tells of Callas’ broken heart and sings a death knell for herself as she laments her love.
Mairéad is joined by tenor James Edwards and baritone Simon Morgan and accompanied by chamber orchestra under the conduction of Andrew Synnott, who bring us beautifully through an evening of opera classics in homage to a legend.
CM McHugh
Next dates:
Cork: Thursday 08 November, Cork Opera House
Limerick: Friday 09 November, University Concert Hall
