Maria Callas, Commendatore OMRI (Dec 2, 1923 – Sept 16, 1977) was an American-born Greek soprano and one of the most renowned opera singers of the 20th century. She combined an impressive bel canto technique, a wide-ranging voice and great dramatic gifts. An extremely versatile singer, her repertoire ranged from classical opera seria to the bel canto operas of Donizetti, Bellini and Rossini; further, the works of Verdi and Puccini; and, in her early career, hailed as La Divina.
