La Divina: A Tribute to Maria Callas

The Hellenic Government-Karakas Family Foundation Professorship in Greek Studies participates in UNESCO’s Celebrations for the Maria Callas Centennial. Presented by soloist Dr. Stella Markou and pianist Ellen Sommer, The University of Kansas School of Music. This event is free and open to the public

Date: Thursday, April 27, 2023

Stella Markou, DMA, Associate Professor of Voice and Opera, The University of Kansas School of Music. Hailed as ‘exquisite’ by Gramophone, Greek American soprano Stella Markou has performed internationally as a soloist on the concert stage, oratorio and opera. A passionate advocate of contemporary music, her festival work includes the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Heidelberg New Music Festival, International Computer Music Conference, Paros Parks Festival, Naxos Music Festival, Siletz Bay Music Festival, Electronic Music Midwest, Xortos Music Festival, and the Society for Electro-Acoustic Music (SEAMUS). Highly esteemed as a performer and master teacher, Dr. Markou is an Associate Professor of Music at the University of Kansas where she serves as the Director of Opera and Coordinator of Voice. Previous appointments include serving as a teaching artist for the Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ Artist in Training Program and as the Director of Vocal Studies and Opera Theatre at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. A native of Arizona, Dr. Markou received her Bachelor of Music from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Master of Music from the Cleveland Institute of Music, and Doctor of Musical Arts from The University of Arizona. Her work can be found on the MSR and SEAMUS record labels.

Ellen Sommer, Associate Professor of the Practice, Piano, The University of Kansas School of Music. Pianist Ellen R. Sommer has quickly established a reputation as a much sought-after collaborative pianist, chamber musician, and coach. She performs extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Central and South Americas, Europe and Asia. Most recent engagements have included concerts and master classes at Universidad de Costa Rica Conservatory in San Jose, Costa Rica. Additionally, Ellen traveled to Tokyo with the Allegresse trio, premiering two new pieces at the International Double Reed Society conference. Sommer has collaborated on numerous professional recordings, including four under the auspices of Potenza Records. Most recently, Sommer recorded works of composer, Ingrid Stolzel for the Parma label. Sommer currently serves as a lecturer in piano at the University of Kansas School of Music.  She performs regularly with faculty, visiting artists, and students. From 1994-2003 Sommer taught at Missouri Western State University, both as piano and voice faculty