To mark the 25th anniversary of the death of Maria Callas , lain Burnside presents an evening celebrating her life and work.
Stelios Galatopoulos explores some of the melodramas of Callas's life and Rodney Milnes comments on her gallery of tragic heroines. Music includes excerpts from Bellini's Norma and IPuritani, Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor and Anna Bolena , Cherubini's Medea, Verdi's Aida, La
Traviata, Rigoletto, La Forza del Destino and Un Ballo in Maschera, Bizet's Carmen and Puccini's Tosca, Madama Butterfly and Turandot. Plus a chance to hear some of the masterclasses that Callas gave at the Juilliard School of Music in 1971/2.
7.35 Wagner Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde (sung in Italian)
8.00 Greece: The Early Years
Tony Palmer explores Callas's time studying in Athens with Elvira de Hidalgo. With contributions from Nicola Petsaris-
Dolomidis, from fellow pupil Maria Alkeou and from Ray Morgan , a British soldier who met Callas in Athens during the civil war. The Voice Vocal coach Gerald Moore analyses Callas's vocal technique.
Masterclass: Rossini Una Voce Poco Fa (II Barbiere di Siviglia)
9.00 Donizetti Mad scene (Lucia di Lammermoor)
The Fat Lady Sings Kit and the Widow take a look at the opera diva phenomenon. Bellini Oh, Rimembranza! (Norma)
In the Grand Tradition John Steane places Callas in historical context and measures her against great singers from the past.
10.00 Callas: The Legend lain Burnside looks at Callas's wider cultural legacy.
Verdi Or Siam Soli (La Forza del Destino) Masterclass: Cherubini Dei Tuoi Figli (Medea)
Verdi Non Sai Tu (Un Ballo in Maschera)
11.25 Puccini Tosca (end of Act 2)