Reduced To Pianissimo

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28742, 13 November 1958, Page 22

Reduced To Pianissimo

■NZ Press Association —Copyright) NEW YORK. November 10. Soprano Maria Callas, holding her fortissimo temperament to oianissimo. is in New York to settle down for two days and •collect her thoughts.” The fiery diva arrived by plane last night from a triumphant engagement in Dallas, Texas. A storm of controversy has thundered about the singer since she was dismissed by the Metropolitan Opera last Thursday. She said she would not discuss her contract severance with the Metropolitan general manager (Mr Rudolf Bing). “He took away that possibility by making his statements (about the severance).” Miss Callas said. Asked whether she would discuss a contract with Miss Carol Fox, general manager of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, she said: "I understand she wishes to see me.’’ There have been unconfirmed reports that Miss Fox has offered lhe soprano 10.000 dollars for a single Chicago concert. Her Metropolitan contract called for 1500 dollars a performance. There is also a possibility that Miss Callas will go on tour with the Dallas Civic Opera, a tour that would not include New York Miss Callas was accompanied by her husband. Mr Giovanni Batista Meneghini. a retired Italian industrialist. She will go to Toronto in two days for a concert appearance.