The world of music has lost its brightest star with the passing of the great Greek-American soprano, Maria Callas, on September 16, 1977 at the age of 53. An operatic and vocal powerhouse, Maria Callas is considered one of the finest opera singers of all time, acclaimed for her enormous range, powerful voice and her overwhelming stage presence. Born on December 2, 1923 in New York City to Greek parents, Maria studied at the National Conservatory of Athens before launching her brilliant career, learning some of the biggest shows in the history of classical music from Euridice, La traviata, Carmen, Idomeneo and more. Her passionate performances, combined with her interpretations of dramatically complex characters, captivated audiences around the globe and made Callas a household name. In 1954, Maria took on the demanding role of both the title role and that of Romeo in another groundbreaking production of the classic Bellini and Zauberflote work which she performed with extraordinary success. Her legacy will live on as one of the most shining stars in classical music and a force of sheer will to pursue greatness, even when faced with setbacks and obstacles. Her extraordinary and incomparable talent will never be forgotten.