Maria Callas Sparks Euro Redesign Debate with Unconventional Voice

The European Central Bank has announced plans to redesign the euro, and over 1,200 designers have applied for the task. Among the shortlisted design proposals is one featuring Maria Callas, a Greek-American opera star, who would be the face of the five-euro bill.

However, not everyone is pleased with this choice. German-Canadian photographer Michael Adair objected to Callas on social media, calling her singing 'terrible' and suggesting she be replaced by Pavarotti. This reaction sparked a heated debate among Callas fans, who defended the soprano's talent and legacy.

But despite the backlash, many people believe that Callas is an iconic figure in opera and a symbol of perseverance. She overcame poverty and stigma to achieve success, and her unconventional voice was seen as a source of originality and influence.

Designers Rubio & del Amo's proposal features a direct gaze from Callas, aimed at drawing people closer to the singer. Berlin design agency Neue Gestaltung GmbH also created a design that translates Callas' voice into geometry, using concentric sound waves beside her portrait.