Zeffirelli Films Maria Callas in Sirmione for New Opera Biopic
The first shot is scheduled at the beginning of summer, on July 7th. Franco Zeffirelli, the great Florentine director, is finalizing the last details of his new film, which will be dedicated to one of the most extraordinary figures of world opera: Maria Callas.
It is increasingly likely that some scenes may be shot on the Sirmione peninsula, the town where the singer perhaps spent the happiest years of her troubled life, in the beautiful villa that was gifted to her by her husband «Titta» Meneghini.
The confirmation comes from Michele Nocera, music critic and one of the international biographers of the «Divina», who met Zeffirelli in Milan during the auction of some of the great director’s possessions.
«I spoke extensively with Zeffirelli about this possibility. He is considering it, to the point that he will send an assistant to Sirmione to conduct a site inspection of the villa and the viewpoints where Callas used to spend her free time.
Situation and Projects
«Let’s say — continues Nocera — that there are excellent prospects for Zeffirelli and his crew to shoot scenes for this film, which promises to be a colossal production». In fact, the budget is anticipated to exceed 30 billion lire.
It is also worth recalling that next year marks the 25th anniversary of the tragic passing of the singer, who died in Paris in September 1977.
It was precisely here in Sirmione that the «rift» occurred between Maria Callas and her husband-host Giambattista Meneghini. An episode etched into Michele Nocera’s memory.
«It was August 19, 1959, when Aristotile Onassis, the Greek magnate who had become enamored of Maria during a cruise aboard his magnificent yacht, arrived from Milan, perhaps intoxicated after drinking quite a bit.»
«And so — continues Nocera — Onassis knocked on the villa Meneghini (located next to the «Meridiana» Hotel and opposite the «Villa Cortine Palace Hotel»), got into a scuffle with Meneghini, then took his wife, who had already packed her bags, and returned to Milan.»
At that time, Sirmione was still unknown; only industry and entertainment VIPs visited there, so it was little known: but the incident soon made the rounds of the country, crossing Italian borders after a while».
Franco Zeffirelli, who was born in the same year as Callas (1923), is no stranger to bringing onto the big screen characters from the opera world or Christian tradition: «La Traviata», «Pagliacci», «Il giovane Toscanini», «Otello», «Gesù di Nazareth», «Fratello sole sorella luna», to name a few.
Not to mention the dozens of screenplays and productions he has directed for the theater, including numerous with Maria Callas as the protagonist. In his upcoming film, she will be played by Fanny Ardant.
Staying with the theme of Maria Callas, it will not only be the camera directed by the great Florentine director to be in Sirmione; cameras from national television stations in Germany, Austria, and Italian-speaking Switzerland will also be involved.
«Yes, I can also confirm this news. Recently — resumes Nocera — I was contacted by Swr from Baden Baden, who informed me that they are preparing a documentary on Callas, which is part of the series «Menschen und Legenden», meaning People and Legends.
In May, representatives of the first German television network are expected in Sirmione to gather my testimonies about the singer’s life, including scenes of Sirmione.
Subsequently, as mentioned, crews from an Austrian TV network and a Swiss television station will arrive.» Finally, a curiosity.
In a very recent auction of Zeffirelli’s belongings and objects, held in Milan, Michele Nocera purchased the bed used in the film «Traviata» (1983), as well as a fine early 20th-century British flask holder.
