The second of four programmes on Maria Callas explores La Divina’s great years, starting with her debut at Covent Garden in 1952, her earliest recordings for EMI in 1953, her dramatic weight loss and transformation from obese prima donna to thin fashion icon, her supposed rivalry with Renata Tebaldi, and up to 1955, the year that saw some of her greatest artistic achievements as the reigning queen of La Scala. Highlights include recordings of legendary “live” performances in Norma, La traviata, Medea and Lucia di Lammermoor. Presented by Adriaan Fuchs. For more information, please visit www.onandofftherecord.com.