The second annual Maria Callas Monaco Gala & Awards was celebrated in Thessaloniki with a dazzling reception at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Organized under the auspices of Prince Albert of Monaco, this prestigious event also marked its presence in Greece following the unveiling of the sculpture “Maria Callas & Princess Grace: An Eternal Friendship”. Created by renowned artist Marcos Marin, the statue was donated by Clelia Hatzigiannou.
This magnificent evening showcased a lineup of historic awards, a rich musical program, gourmet cuisine, and exquisite decor that left a lasting impression on the distinguished guests.
Honorees of the Evening
- Stamatis Spanoudakis – Honored as the Best Musical Artist, marking the first award in his illustrious career.
- Marianna Latsi – Received the National Benefactor Award for her monumental contribution to establishing the “Nikos Kourkoulos” oncology hospital in Thessaloniki.
- His Eminence Metropolitan Agathangelos of Fanari – Recognized for his philanthropic work with the Apostolic Ministry’s boarding school.
- Yiannis Metzikof – Celebrated for his artistic contributions.
- Christiana Alonefti – Acknowledged for her role in Pablo Larrain’s film Maria and her distinguished career as a soprano.
Musical Excellence
Cypriot soprano Christiana Alonefti, who portrays a young Maria Callas in the upcoming film Maria, delivered a captivating opera performance specially curated for the event.
The gala also highlighted the film Maria, which was recently honored at the Venice Film Festival by the Maria Callas Monaco Gala & Awards organization.
Additional Recognitions
- Giorgos Davlas was awarded for his significant support of the awards and enchanted the audience with his vocal performance, accompanied by artist Yiannis Christodoulopoulos and soprano Elena Kelesidi.
A Night to Remember
The evening featured stirring speeches from the honorees, including Marianna Latsi, Stamatis Spanoudakis, and Yiannis Metzikof.
This splendid event successfully combined elegance, artistry, and heartfelt tributes, reinforcing the legacy of Maria Callas and her connection to Greece and Monaco.
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