News
Callas gown returned ahead of memorial
25 June 2007
A silk gown worn by legendary opera singer Maria Callas has been returned to the Italian Cultural Institute in Athens by an anonymous source to the delight of locals and tourists planning to make the trip to the Greek capital.
The dress, which was worn by the famous diva in a performance of Giuseppe Verdi's arias, was taken in the midst of a three-day break in Greece last month after being on display to mark the 30th anniversary of her death.
It holds particular significance as one of a number of prized mementoes of the singer's career and is said to be worth hundreds of thousands of euros.
However, after a public plea the dress was returned inside a package via post, with a spokesman revealing it was relatively unharmed.
Speaking to the Australian the representative confirmed: 'The robe seems to be unharmed beyond the deterioration the silk has already suffered because of its age.'
Greece is currently honouring Maria Callas, who died in 1977, with a number of cultural events.
The Athens Festival is laying on operas popularised by the singer and is also planning to showcase Luigi Cherubini's Medea at the Ancient Epidaurus Theatre, one of Maria's last performances.
If you'd like to see this destination for yourself, use Opodo's travel search engine to find flights, hotels, holidays and car hire worldwide.
© Adfero Ltd
The dress, which was worn by the famous diva in a performance of Giuseppe Verdi's arias, was taken in the midst of a three-day break in Greece last month after being on display to mark the 30th anniversary of her death.
It holds particular significance as one of a number of prized mementoes of the singer's career and is said to be worth hundreds of thousands of euros.
However, after a public plea the dress was returned inside a package via post, with a spokesman revealing it was relatively unharmed.
Speaking to the Australian the representative confirmed: 'The robe seems to be unharmed beyond the deterioration the silk has already suffered because of its age.'
Greece is currently honouring Maria Callas, who died in 1977, with a number of cultural events.
The Athens Festival is laying on operas popularised by the singer and is also planning to showcase Luigi Cherubini's Medea at the Ancient Epidaurus Theatre, one of Maria's last performances.
If you'd like to see this destination for yourself, use Opodo's travel search engine to find flights, hotels, holidays and car hire worldwide.
© Adfero Ltd
