Milan, Teatro alla Scala, 7 December 1954

     Reporter: Are you happy, Madame, to have opened the operatic season this year?

     Callas: I am very happy and, I would also say, honored.

     Reporter: And it is the first time that you perform La Vestale?

     Callas: Yes, it is the first time that I perform La Vestale; however, I am opening a season at La Scala for the third time, much to my happiness.

     Reporter: Your appraisal of Spontini’s masterpiece, Madame?

     Callas: Spontini’s masterpiece… Very beautiful, with usual flaws common to [practically] all operas with shortcomings; however, for me, it is very beautiful. I hope that the public thinks the same.

     Pozzi: Thank you, Madame.