Cat Fights and Divas with Patrick Bade

Maria Callas and Renata Tebaldi

Maria Callas and Renata Tebaldi were the two most celebrated artists of the second half of the last century. The purported rivalry between Callas and Tebaldi was fueled by the media and fans, and it was often characterized as a clash between two contrasting vocal and artistic styles. While both artists acknowledged each other’s talents, the press and public often exaggerated the rivalry. In reality, Callas and Tebaldi had a professional relationship, and they even performed together on occasion, such as in a joint concert at the Royal Opera House in London in 1959.

In the series:
Feb. 13: Joan Crawford and Bette Davis
Feb. 20: Anna Pavlova and Isadora Duncan
Feb. 27: Maria Callas and Renata Tebaldi
Mar. 5: Marlene Dietrich and Greta Garbo