Guest Blog: 'She Was More Than Just a Singer': Soprano Nadine Benjamin on the Legacy of 'La Divina' and 7 DEATHS OF MARIA CALLAS

Maria Callas, an extraordinary force in the world of opera, possessed a mesmerising ability to convey authentic emotion through her singing.  Her dramatic coloratura style was nothing short of a revelation, captivating audiences worldwide.  Watching her perform in that iconic live recording of a Paris concert, where she effortlessly guided the chorus back into rhythm, left an incredible mark on me 10 years ago.  It was then that I truly realised the transformation of opera in music, and the transcending way it moves hearts.

Under the guidance of Elvira de Hidalgo, Maria Callas grew and transformed into an artist of profound depth.  Her hunger to learn and absorb from other fellow pupils would become a trade mark of her work ethic. A trait that would deeply impact my own approach to learning.  This has inspired me to watch and learn from every artist I meet, especially in rehearsals. It has been a gift to really take the time to learn from the people around me and integrate what works into my own practice and performance. Callas’ philosophy that even the least gifted can impart valuable lessons is a testament to her unending thirst for knowledge. Her arduous ten hour daily regimen of music immersion once again exemplifies her unparalleled drive for perfection!

Another one of her consistent sayings was  “preparation, preparation, preparation “. You had to be ready!  There was no stone left unturned with Maria. Hidalgo also gave Maria movement lessons from which allowed her to embody her characters in a way that felt genuine and authentic.  Even the way she fell, whether as Tosca in her final jump scene or as any other characters, were meticulously considered. This attention to detail elevated her performances.

Maestro Serafin was another huge icon that had a great impact on Maria Callas’s life.  She stated that he was “the last of his kind”. He instilled in her a deeper understanding of the structure of music, the need for expression and the justification of it.  She knew that her duty was to serve the music Serafin’s unwavering belief in her abilities, evident in his decision to cast her in Puritani after just a week of preparation, speaks volumes about the trust he had in her artistry.

Callas’ vocal style, characterised by its daring and expressive quality, divided opinions. While some critics argued her voice underwent a decline after 1955, I found its unique beauty and daring interpretations to be nothing short of a miracle revealing before your eyes. Her willingness to take risks, to paint with bold strokes of colour in her voice, was a testament to her artistry and her desire to push boundaries.

Maria Callas was more than just a singer; she was also a fashion icon and a woman at the forefront of society.  Her exquisite sense of style and influence on fashion continue to resonate today.   I think she was greatly influenced by the style of Audrey Hepburn.  Weight was an initial challenge for Callas. Indeed this is  still a big topic of discussion in the world of opera today. Only a few years ago, an artist deemed to be overweight was called out in the press for her appearance.  A singer’s body is their instrument.  Comments about a person’s weight can deeply affect their self esteem and I am sure Callas would have felt the mental effects of this attention. 

Callas’ admission of feeling like two distinct individuals, Maria and Callas, sheds light on the complexity of her artistic persona.  The expectation placed upon her as a performer weighed heavily on her, a struggle that many artists can still empathise with now.  Productions can cost millions of pounds to put on, knowing that your performance determines whether the show will be deemed good or not put Callas in a place where she would sometimes cancel her performances if she did not feel up to the task.  She suffered with quite severe nerves.

Callas had a wonderful strength and purpose. One of her quotes is “you fall, hurt yourself and then you get back up”.  She found many ways to keep standing in her life and  often mentioned how challenging it could be to be misunderstood. Her grace and fragility also accompanied this strength and, to me,  felt like she had the mind of a warrior and the heart of a butterfly which often meant that it could be easily crushed.  She was a fearless truth teller and really allowed us to see the depth of these colours in her personality.

In the latter part of her career, Callas faced personal and health challenges. The decision to step back from singing was undoubtedly a difficult one. We now know that this was greatly influenced by her love affair with Aristotle Onassis - as he was not too keen on her being away for too long. 

Maria Callas was a force of nature, a singing actress who left an incredible mark on the world of opera.  Her legacy endures, an eternal reminder of the power of art to touch the soul.  Her dedication, her artistry, and star quality continue to inspire artists around the globe. Maria Callas will forever be a beacon of passion and artistry in the world of classical music.

Like so many, I am completely obsessed with this powerful spiritual being.  It is a blessing that she came to live among and share her magical gift with us. We are changed in the opera art form because she existed.

I have in my possession one of her bracelets designed in green, gold and enamel and a beautiful shawl which is gold and turquoise, with little red elephants - both bought at auction about 15 years ago!  These remind me of her ornate character and the stylish presence that she held in the world.

Maria Callas was excellent! She was complex! She was mesmerising! I don’t know if we will ever happen upon another soul such as this but in terms of artistic brilliance, Marina Abramović is a phenomenal match! Now that I have finally had the chance to meet Marina, I am completely in awe of her wisdom, Goddess presence and loving warm nature.  She has a joy and respect for the craft that really injects and inspires new possibilities and wonder.  So it is an absolute honour to be sharing the stage with them both. History or Her story doesn’t get better than this!

7 Deaths of Maria Callas is at the London Coliseum until 11 November

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