Christina Politi, the renowned Greek soprano known in the international opera scene, performed as a special guest at the Chios Festival organized by the North Aegean region. This concert was held at the historic Kastelli mansion in Kambos on the island of Chios and featured famous arias once performed by Maria Callas. Additionally, the documentary "Maria, Marianna, Maria: The Unknown Greek Years of Callas" was screened.
Love for the Island and the Legacy of Maria Callas
Christina Politi, who hails from the island of Chios, has a deep connection with the people of this island. She took the stage for the third time at this festival and spoke about the impact of Maria Callas on her life and others. Politi stated, "As Greeks, we take great pride in the fact that Maria Callas, a giant in the world of music and opera, is Greek. She inspires us not only musically but through the energy she brings to her arias."
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This soprano expressed that she never had the chance to see Maria Callas live, adding, "However, through her recordings, one can understand how exceptional she was. Every time I sing arias, especially Italian bel canto, I return to her and draw inspiration from her interpretations."
Professional Journey and Future Plans
Politi, who has an impressive career in opera and has won numerous prestigious awards, studied in Germany and took her first professional steps in that country. She spoke about her international travels and collaborations with great music leaders like Zubin Mehta, saying, "My professional career began in Germany, and I performed in all the major operas in that country before moving on to performances in Europe, America, Asia, and the Pacific. Discovering different worlds and collaborating with conductors and theaters I resonate with is an incredible pleasure."
Politi also mentioned her family life, stating that she is trying to balance her family life with her international work. She currently wants to spend more time with her children in Greece and stay away from large opera productions. Her plans for the new season include performing a new opera titled "Theodora, Empress of Byzantium" in Athens, directed by Panos Angelopoulos.
This year marked the fifth edition of the Chios Festival, which was held for ten days and had a significant impact on the island. The festival included performances, concerts, film screenings, lectures, and exhibitions, with prominent figures from science, culture, and art participating in the event. The artistic director of the festival, Dimitra Moutzouri, highlighted the high quality of the programs, stating, "We have managed to provide a unique experience for participants through suitable collaborations."
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