Maria Callas[a] Commendatore OMRI (born Maria Anna Cecilia Sophie Kalogeropoulou; December 2, 1923 – September 16, 1977), (Greek: Μαρία Άννα Καικιλία Σοφία Καλογεροπούλου) was an American-born Greek soprano who was one of the most renowned and influential opera singers of the 20th century. Many critics praised her bel canto technique, wide-ranging voice and dramatic interpretations. Her repertoire ranged from classical opera seria to the bel canto operas of Donizetti, Bellini and Rossini and, further, to the works of Verdi and Puccini; and, in her early career, to the music dramas of Wagner. Her musical and dramatic talents led to her being hailed as La Divina ("the Divine one").
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