Daisy Goodwin – Diva
18th October @ 18:30 – 19:30
In this remarkable novel, best-selling author Daisy Goodwin brings to life a woman whose extraordinary talent, unremitting drive and natural chic made her a legend. But it was only in confronting the heartbreak of losing the man she loved that Maria Callas found her true voice.
In the glittering and ruthlessly competitive world of opera, Maria Callas is known simply as La Divina: the divine one. With her glorious voice, instinctive flair for the dramatic and striking beauty, she’s the toast of the grandest opera houses in the world. Yet her fame has been hard won: raised in Nazi-occupied Greece by a mother who mercilessly exploited her, Maria learned early in life how to protect herself. When she meets the fabulously rich shipping magnate, Aristotle Onassis, her isolation melts away. For the first time in her life, she believes she’s found a man who sees Maria the woman rather than the legendary soprano. Desperately in love, Callas follows Onassis into the world of International Café Society, mixing with celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Princess Grace and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. And then, suddenly, it’s over. The international press announced that Onassis will marry the most famous woman in the world, former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, leaving Maria to pick up the pieces.
Daisy Goodwin will discuss Maria Callas’s colourful life, accompanied by live performances by Josephine Goddard, a celebrated soprano, and in conversation with Lulu Taylor.
Tickets £14.00 (£10.00 Students)
Tickets are not available for general purchase until 29th August.
If you are a Festival Friend, tickets are available from 18th August, please log in to your account here to order your tickets.
