Maria Callas Tribute Prize —
International Award in Culture and the Arts
March 6, 2025
Italian Cultural Institute, New York City
On March 6, the annual Maria Callas Tribute Prize ceremony took place at the Italian Cultural Institute in New York, marking the centenary of the legendary soprano’s birth. Established by Dante Mariti, producer of the cultural organization Melos International, the award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to cultural and social life.
The evening was opened by Fabrizio Di Michele, Consul General of Italy in New York, and hosted by Italian actress Maria Antonietta Vacca.
Among the recipients were renowned figures in the fields of art, music, and journalism. A special recognition was also given to Pablo Larraín’s film Maria, starring Angelina Jolie.
Pavel Kir received the award as an international artist for his contribution to contemporary art. His works, exhibited in the halls of the Institute, formed a striking visual backdrop to the ceremony. The award presentation took place in front of his signature piece Maria Callas: Spider’s Dreams About Mujer.
Maria Callas, a Greek-born, American-raised artist who became an Italian icon, embodied the power of vulnerability and greatness coexisting in one woman. This interplay of cultures and contrasts resonates strongly with Pavel Kir’s creative vision—art that is emotionally charged, globally aware, and free from constraints.
International press
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