The celebration was held on 16 September 1997, Memorial Day of Maria Callas, at the Roman Theatre of Ostia Antica. To pay tribute to Maria Callas, this important extravaganza brings together renowned sopranos of present generation, including Katia Ricciarelli, Francesca Patane, Cecilia Gasdia and Maria Dragoni. Throughout the concert, there were some clips shown from most well-known performances by Callas.
Maria Callas, tragic Greek goddess of modernity, remains the epitome of the operatic soprano. She has suffered no eclipse since her death; in fact her reputation has continued to grow, thanks to her recorded legacy and the discussion and debate on her life and art has generated. At no stage has her position at the pinnacle of operatic achievement been contested. She is the point of reference for the singers who have followed her in the opera house and recording studio. For her admirers her performances remain in the memory forever.