Mary Rousculp Hoffman was Program Director at WOSU radio through the early 1980s. During her tenure Mary sought out and spoke to some of the world's greatest artists. In future posts we'll hear Mary's visits with Vladimir Horowitz, Igor Stravinsky, Maria von Trapp and Yehudi Menuhin.
On April 5, 1974, Mary staked out Port Columbus airport. Soprano Maria Callas (1923-1977) was set to arrive in Columbus for a concert at the Ohio Theater.
Callas was on tour with tenor Giuseppe DiStefano (1921-2008).
Mary told me that when Callas arrived she was in full diva mode. At the request for an impromptu interview, La Callas snarled, What? Here? and turned away. A few moments later, however, the lady tapped on Mary's shoulder, looked down at the mic, and said, "Shoot!"
Here are Maria Callas and Giuseppe DiStefano at Port Columbus airport, lucky enough to be interviewed by Mary Rousculp Hoffman.
