In celebration of the legendary soprano singer Maria Callas' 100th birthday, a remarkable opera concert titled "Tribute to Maria Callas" is set to enchant Jakarta audiences. This splendid musical event is a joint effort by the Italian Embassy, the Italian Cultural Institute Jakarta, and Ciputra Artpreneur. It promises to be a magical evening of operatic excellence, uniting top talents from Italy and Indonesia.

The "Tribute to Maria Callas" concert is scheduled for October 7, 2023, and will feature two performances at the Ciputra Artpreneur Theatre: one at 2 PM and another at 7 PM. Opera enthusiasts can look forward to a mesmerizing blend of Italian and Indonesian voices, accompanied by the Jakarta Concert Orchestra and the Batavia Madrigal Singers.

Maria Battaglia, the Director of the Italian Cultural Institute Jakarta, expressed her excitement about the event, saying, "Maria Callas represents not only Italy but the entire world of opera. She graced the stages of prestigious international theaters, earning her a place as an icon and legend in the world of opera music. Her unparalleled singing and interpretive abilities set her apart from all other sopranos. This concert is dedicated to celebrating the centenary of Callas' birth in 1923 and marks the first tribute to the 'Divina' as she was fondly known, by director and friend Franco Zeffirelli, in Indonesia."

The concert program will feature a diverse selection of arias from Callas' most renowned operas, including "Norma," "La Traviata," "Turandot," and "Cavalleria Rusticana." According to Battaglia, this event holds immense significance as it strengthens the cultural ties between Italy and Indonesia. It's an opportunity to introduce Bel Canto, a cherished part of Italian tradition, to Jakarta and showcase the exceptional talents of musicians and choirs while paying homage to the legendary Maria Callas.

Rina Ciputra Sastrawinata, President Director of Ciputra Artpreneur, emphasized the importance of cultural collaboration between Italy and Indonesia. She noted that this concert follows previous successful collaborations with the Italian Cultural Center, featuring performances like "Traviata Artemis Danza" in 2015, "I Bislacchi, A Tribute to Fellini" in 2016, and "Pavarotti Forever Tribute Concert" in 2017. An art exhibition titled "Beyond The East: A Gaze on Indonesian Contemporary Art" held in 2011 at MACRO Testaccio, Rome, furthered the cultural exchange.

Mrs. Rina, as she is affectionately known, was honored with the Ordine della Stella d’Italia Classe Cavaliere award by the Italian government in recognition of her dedication to fostering cultural ties between the two nations. She expressed her pride in the upcoming collaboration, where top-tier artists from Italy will join forces with Indonesian talents, including Avip Priatna and Regina Handoko, along with the Batavia Madrigal Singers Choir and the Jakarta Concert Orchestra. She believes this performance is not to be missed and offers a valuable platform for artists to exchange experiences.

Soprano singer Regina Handoko, who will perform Maria Callas' songs, shared her thoughts on the challenge and privilege of interpreting Callas' work. She said, "Maria Callas possessed extraordinary vocal technique, emotional depth, and interpretive abilities. Performing her songs requires a perfect blend of vocal technique, expression, and a deep understanding of the character being portrayed. It has been an incredible journey and an honor for me to perform the songs of the greatest soprano of all time."

This remarkable concert, dedicated to a legendary diva, will treat the audience to a selection of Callas' most beloved opera compositions by Rossini, Bellini, Verdi, Puccini, and Mascagni. With the presence of Italian and Indonesian sopranos, Felicia Bongiovanni and Regina Handoko, as well as Italian tenor Darioo Ricchizzi, the orchestra led by Maestro Massimiliano Sinceri and Choir Director Maestro Avip Priatna, this event marks the first time that Italian and Indonesian opera singers, along with 65 musicians from the Jakarta Concert Orchestra and 60 singers from the Batavia Madrigal Singers and Choir Director, have come together to create such a mesmerizing musical fusion.

Tickets for the concert are available in five categories, with prices ranging from Bronze for Rp 300,000 to VIP for Rp 1,475,000. During the Early Bird period from September 20th to September 24th, 2023, there is a special 20 percent discount available. Tickets can be purchased at loket.com, ensuring that all opera enthusiasts can be part of this enchanting tribute to Maria Callas.