The timeless legacy of Maria Callas was celebrated in grand fashion over the weekend as the Maria Callas Australian Society officially launched with a special screening of Maria (2024) at Palace Cinema Como, South Yarra.
This landmark event, held in collaboration with AHEPA Australia, the Ithacan Historical Society, and the Greek Community of Melbourne, marked an important milestone for Australia’s Callas community.
A long-awaited launch marking two years of dedication
Founded in 2023 by Roma Siachos, the Maria Callas Australian Society was established during the centenary year of Callas’ birth, with the vision of perpetuating her artistic legacy in Australia. Now, two years on, the Society has officially opened its doors, celebrating its commitment to honouring Callas’ profound influence on opera and culture.
The launch was perfectly timed to coincide with the Ithacan Historical Society’s fundraiser screening of Maria (2024)—the highly anticipated biopic starring Angelina Jolie as the iconic soprano.
The event was not only a cinematic tribute but also a means of supporting cultural heritage and archaeology in Ithaca, ensuring that Callas’ impact continues beyond the operatic stage.
Tickets, priced at $22, helped raise funds for the Ithacan Historical Society’s preservation efforts, aligning the Society’s mission with broader cultural conservation.
An Ambassador’s tribute to Callas
The evening held special significance for Melbourne-born soprano Christiana Aloneftis, who provides the voice of Maria Callas in Maria (2024) and serves as the official Ambassador of the Maria Callas Australian Society.
While unable to attend in person, Aloneftis joined the event virtually from Germany, expressing her deep honour in being part of the Society’s mission.
“It is my great honour to announce that I’ve been appointed Ambassador of the newly formed Maria Callas Australian Society,” Aloneftis shared on social media.
“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.”
Her presence in the film and her ongoing involvement with the Maria Callas Australian Society further solidified the strong Australian connection to the Callas story.
A lasting commitment to Callas’ legacy
During the event, founder Ms Siachos reflected on Callas’ unparalleled influence on the opera world and the Society’s mission moving forward:
“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,” Ms 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.”
Looking ahead, the Society aims to nurture Australia’s next generation of opera singers and enthusiasts by fostering educational initiatives, international collaborations, and artistic programs.
“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,” Ms Siachos stated.
“Together, let us keep her music alive and the meaning of the eternal diva’s existence alive.”
A new chapter for Callas’ legacy in Australia
The launch event successfully brought together opera lovers, cultural organisations, and the Greek Australian community to celebrate Maria Callas’ enduring influence.
While there are no current plans for a Sydney-based event, this Melbourne launch sets the stage for future initiatives and artistic collaborations under the Maria Callas Australian Society banner.
With a strong foundation now in place, the Maria Callas Australian Society is poised to become a key advocate for Callas’ legacy, ensuring that her influence continues to inspire generations to come.
For more updates and upcoming events, follow the Maria Callas Australian Society’s journey on Facebook, Instagram and MariaCallasAustralianSociety.com
