Maria Callas returns to the stage in 2023

Holographic performances with the 

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra 2023

and Santiago Symphony Orchestra 2018

by Tony Magee

Greetings everyone and a Happy New Year to all.

I’ve been out of the loop in music journalism for a while, but it’s my hope to return to this part-time sometime during 2024.

In the meantime, I feel compelled to inform you of the return of Greek opera diva Maria Callas to the concert stage in hologram form.

Dying in Paris in 1977 aged 53, Callas has been seen performing with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra conducted by Daniel Schlosberg, December 7 2023 at Hamer Hall and the Santiago Symphony Orchestra in September 2018. Also with an unknown orchestra in March 2019.

Journalist Shelley Brunt was recently at the performance in Melbourne. You can read about her experience at the event in Canberra City News, online edition January 1 2024, reprinted from “The Conversation”. In a well written article, Brunt discusses, amongst other things, the ethics of bringing back to life long dead artists, when they have no ability to grant permission.

Here is the link:

Hologram concerts: revelations or revulsions?

“...When [Maria Callas] eventually appeared on stage, the audience gasped...” 

Alas, there is no footage of the December 2023 MSO concert.

I’ve selected two clips for readers to enjoy (or not) from earlier recent performances.

The first is from an opera I cannot identify, but it’s worth watching not only for Callas’ incredible vocal prowess and stage craft, but also - she throws a deck of cards in the air near the end and the holographic effect is quite remarkable.

The second is well known and a Callas gem. Her rendition of Habanera from Bizet’s Carmen.

Both clips are very short - just over one minute.

Some commentators have postulated that we are watching an actress attempting to impersonate Maria Callas (but still a hologram?). It looks like Callas to me, and certainly the vocal soundtrack which is synchronised with her is definitely Callas singing, and the orchestras are live.

Judge for yourselves:

Maria Callas with unknown orchestra and location, March 2019.
Click here to watch.

    

Habanera from Bizet's Carmen. Maria Callas with the Santiago Symphony Orchestra,
Movistar Arena, Santiago Chile, September 2018. Click here to watch.

Also published at Canberra Critics Circle, January 1, 2024