Lecture: “Saborear. Ópera: Fleta y Callas” with Alfonso Carlos Saiz Valdivielso

As part of the “Saborear” series, organised by the University of Deusto Pedro Fabro Retired Staff Association, Emeritus Professor Alfonso Saiz Valdivielso will give the lectures “Saborear. Opera: Fleta and Callas” on 29 and 30 January.

Both lectures will be accompanied by images and arias, allowing attendees to enjoy their voices. A brief introduction provides context on these great opera figures:

Miguel Fleta.- Born in Albalate de Cinca (Huesca), Aragon, in 1897; died in La Coruña in 1938. Born into humble origins, he rose to operatic aristocracy following his studies at the Conservatoire of the Liceu in Barcelona. He was a unique prodigy, completing his singing course in just three years under the guidance of Professor Luisa Pierrik. He performed in the world’s leading theatres and remained a top-ranking tenor for eight years. Arturo Toscanini chose him to sing the role of Calaf in the world premiere of Puccini’s posthumous opera Turandot at La Scala in Milan. He is regarded as one of the greatest tenors of the 20th century.

Maria Callas – Although of Greek origin, she was born in New York in 1923 and died in Paris in 1977. She studied under the renowned Spanish soprano Elvira de Hidalgo at the Athens Conservatoire. An absolute soprano with an extraordinary vocal range, she became the queen of La Scala in Milan. Her career at its peak lasted less than ten years, cut short by her relationship with Aristotle Onassis. Her life was a path of roses and thorns—the only path one can take when compelled by the inescapable need to achieve sublimity.