Maria Callas Exhibition at Achillion Museum on Corfu

An exhibition dedicated to Greek opera legend Maria Callas has opened to the public at the Achillion Museum on the island of Corfu.

Organized by the Hellenic Public Properties Company (ETAD) and the museum under the title “Maria Callas: World Priestess of Opera”, the exhibition is taking place as part of the celebrations for the bicentennial of the 1821 Greek Revolution.

The exhibition features personal items of the beloved soprano from the collection of Liana Skourlis, art historian and president of the Maria Callas Greek Society, including books with sheet music, works of art related to her life and work, a portrait of Callas created especially for the exhibition by Corfiot artist Ilias Yiannoulas and eight authentic costumes from the Teatro della Scala di Milano.

“Through the exhibits that are on display in the dining room of empress Sissy inside the Achillion, visitors can have a personal view of the artist’s music world and listen to the silent narration of the story about her life and work,” ETAD said in an announcement.

During the inauguration ceremony, that was held on July 11, renowned composer Zorzes Katirs for the first time presented his aria “Love Dream”, which was performed by mezzo-soprano Roza Poulimenou with the lyrics of writer Toula Tolia.

In addition, piano soloist Neville Jason Fahy presented parts of some of Callas’ most renowned arias.

The exhibition will run until October 31.

It is co-organised by the Maria Callas Greek Society, the Ionian Islands Region and the Municipality of Central Corfu and the Diapontia Islands.