Program Highlight

Throughout the year Classical 91.5 will present a number of special programs or mini-series that are not a part of our regular broadcast schedule. Come back to this page on a regular basis to find out about these special programs.

Special: Maria Callas: The Enduring Icon, Sat 12/2 @ 12:00pm

Classical 91.5 WXXO-FM

Published November 28, 2023 at 3:45 PM EST

Born December 2, 1923, this captivating woman, and one of the greatest opera singers of all time, is remembered for her many roles in opera performances, particularly that of Madame Butterfly.

In celebration of the 100^th anniversary of her birth (12/2/1923) WFMT & host Jon Tolansky celebrate the legendary diva in this documentary memoir. We’ll hear from Maria Callas herself, singers John Dobson, Mirella Freni, and Victor Godfrey; conductors Sir Edward Downes, Bernard Keeffe, and Nicola Rescigno; and others who knew Callas and her work, such as Cecilia Gobbi (daughter of baritone Tito Gobbi), former EMI classics engineer Robert Gooch, The Earl of Harewood, President of Warner Classics Alain Lanceron, Christopher Raeburn (former Head of Opera for Decca Classics), and former General Director for Royal Opera House Covent Garden Sir John Tooley.

American-born Greek operatic soprano who revived classical coloratura roles in the mid-20th century with her lyrical and dramatic versatility.

Musical Highlights Include:

Verdi: I Vespri Siciliani: Merce, dilette amiche
Verdi: Macbeth: Ne di della vittoria
Ponchielli: La Gioconda: O madre mia
Bellini: I puritani: Vien, diletto, e in ciel la luna
Bellini: Norma: Casta Diva
Verdi: La traviata: Follie, follie…..Sempre libera
Verdi: La traviata: Addio del passato
Verdi: La traviata: Ah! gran Dio! Morir sì giovine
Verdi: La traviata: Non sapete quale affetto
Verdi: La traviata: Eh tardi!
Verdi: La traviata: Addio del passato
Bellini: Il pirata: Sorgete, è in me dover quella pietade
Puccini: Tosca: Io tenni la promessa
Puccini: Tosca: Non la sospiri, la nostra casetta
Puccini: Manon Lescaut: Sola, perduta, abbandonata
Puccini: Tosca: Vissi d’arte

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Special: Maria Callas: The Enduring Icon, Sat 12/2 @ 12:00pm

Born December 2, 1923, this captivating woman, and one of the greatest opera singers of all time, is remembered for her many roles in opera performances, particularly that of Madame Butterfly.