Milan, Malpensa Airport, early October 1955

     Reporter: There has been almost no time left for Madame Maria Meneghini Callas to unpack her suitcases. In fact, after arriving from Berlin a few days ago, where she performed Lucia di Lammermor, she is preparing to leave again for America. Which city and which operas, precisely?

     Callas: It is America and Chicago for this year. I emphasize Chicago, because we opened a most wonderful season last year. As you know, Chicago had gone many years without an opera house. Before that, however, it had had a magnificent operatic tradition, almost like that of the Metropolitan Opera. I mention this because the artists from the Metropolitan – Caruso, Rosa Raisa… – performed there as well as at the Metropolitan.

     Reporter: There is also a particular preference for this city. Some young and valuable impresarios are there.

     Callas: Where, in which city – Chicago?

     Reporter: In Chicago.

     Callas: Well, they are two young people [Carol Fox, Lawrence Kelly] – curious, isn’t it? They are young experts like many others, perhaps less so. Still, they had an excellent idea, and they know their business. (Evidently, I have been very lucky as well, since I believe that luck counts for a great deal in many projects, so to say). They know how to select and bring together [operatic] companies in grand style, or at least they try to do it in the best possible way. And they knew how to convince me, since I don’t like long trips or changing places too frequently.

     Reporter: If you would pardon me, Madame – in which operas will you appear?

     Callas: Well, I will first appear in Puritani. Next, we will perform Trovatore, and I will also sing Butterfly for the first time on the stage. I am perhaps more anxious about it than about any other, since it will be the first time (though I have already recorded it). It is an opera that I like enormously. Of course, it is difficult in many aspects, but I care about it considerably.

     Reporter: So, you are opening with Bellini.

     Callas: With Bellini.

     Reporter: And you will open the season at La Scala this December with Bellini as well.

     Callas: Yes. We opened with Bellini in Chicago last year, too – with Norma, precisely. It could be concluded, therefore, that Bellini is indeed… a composer who brings good luck, I hope.

     Reporter: And he is one of your favorite composers as well.

     Callas: Oh yes. In fact, for me, he comes before all the others, perhaps.

     Reporter: Will you be singing in many operas at La Scala this year?

     Callas: Yes. I believe either five or six.