Dimitris Pyromallis, the collector of Maria Callas’ work, has passed away

Dimitris Pyromallis donated his Maria Callas collection to the GNO in 2023

Dimitris Pyromallis, the dedicated collector of Maria Callas’ work, passed away at age 68. Dimitris Pyromallis’ collection – which he donated to the Greek National Opera Archive in 2023 – includes some 4,000 vinyl records, 6,000 CDs, hundreds of books, newspaper clippings, periodicals, thousands of photographs, autographs, handwritten notes, postage stamps featuring Callas’ likeness from various countries, medals minted in her honour, and some of her personal effects.

Dimitris Pyromallis was born in 1958. At the age of four, he met Maria Callas by chance on the island of Zakynthos – this encounter left such an impression on him that, from the age of 20, he devoted his life to this collection on the art of Maria Callas.

In honour of Dimitris Pyromallis’ donation, the Greek National Opera organized the exhibition “UNBOXING CALLAS: An Archival Exploration of the Pyromallis Collection and the GNO Archive” as part of the 2023 Maria Callas Anniversary Year.

In 2024, the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, awarded Dimitris Pyromallis the insignia of the Gold Cross of the Order of the Phoenix in recognition of his donation of his Maria Callas Collection to the Greek National Opera.

The Artistic Director, Giorgos Koumendakis, the Management, and the staff of the Greek National Opera express their deepest sympathy and grief and extend their sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.