An opera begins long before the curtain goes up and ends long after it has come down. It starts in my imagination, it becomes my life, and it stays part of my life long after I've left the opera house.
Maria Callas

Don't talk to me about rules, dear. Wherever I stay I make the goddam rules.
Maria Callas

First I lost my voice, then I lost my figure and then I lost Onassis.
Maria Callas

Good teachers make the best of a pupil's means; great teachers foresee a pupil's ends.
Maria Callas

I am not an angel and do not pretend to be. That is not one of my roles. But I am not the devil either. I am a woman and a serious artist, and I would like so to be judged.
Maria Callas

I cannot switch my voice. My voice is not like an elevator going up and down.
Maria Callas

I don't know what happens to me on stage. Something else seems to take over.
Maria Callas

I don't need the money, dear. I work for art.
Maria Callas

I prepare myself for rehearsals like I would for marriage.
Maria Callas

I was always too mature for my age - and not very happy. I had no young friends. I wish I could go back to those days. If I could only live it all again, how I would play and enjoy other girls. What a fool I was.
Maria Callas


I would like to be Maria, but there is La Callas who demands that I carry myself with her dignity.
Maria Callas

I would not kill my enemies, but I will make them get down on their knees. I will, I can, I must.
Maria Callas

If I have stepped on some people at times because I am at the top, it couldn't be helped. What should I do if someone gets hurt... retire?
Maria Callas

It's a terrible thing to go through life thinking that you have a rock on your side when you haven't.
Maria Callas

Love is so much better when you're not married.
Maria Callas

On stage, I am in the dark.
Maria Callas

That is the difference between good teachers and great teachers: good teachers make the best of a pupil's means; great teachers foresee a pupil's ends.
Maria Callas

There must be a law against forcing children to perform at an early age. Children should have a wonderful childhood. They should not be given too much responsibility.
Maria Callas

When music fails to agree to the ear, to soothe the ear and the heart and the senses, then it has missed the point.
Maria Callas

When my enemies stop hissing, I shall know I'm slipping.
Maria Callas