Angelina Jolie's portrayal of Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín's biopic 'Maria' has left a lasting impression. With the go-to vocal coach Eric Vetro by her side for around seven months, Jolie took on the challenge of singing opera from scratch. At 49 years old, she had never sung before but showed extraordinary determination and a desire to do a great job.

Uncover Angelina Jolie's Unprecedented Opera Journey

From Ground Zero to Opera Stardom

Vocal coach Eric Vetro was truly amazed by Angelina Jolie's transformation. Starting from ground zero, she had no prior singing experience. Vetro recalls, "She was a bit nervous and shy at first, but her determination to nail the part was evident. It was inspiring to see how she overcame any obstacles that came her way." Jolie's dedication to the role was unwavering, and Vetro witnessed her growth firsthand.

Throughout their sessions, Vetro taught Jolie the nuances of opera singing. With no steady beat to follow, it was a unique experience. "It ebbs and flows, going faster here and slower there. You really have to be musical to master it," he explains. But Jolie's talent and hard work shone through.

The Thrilling Moment of 'O mio babbino caro'

One particular moment during their sessions stands out. Vetro heard Jolie sing "O mio babbino caro," a soprano aria from the 1918 opera Gianni Schicchi. He was blown away. "It was the most thrilling day. I knew she could do it. She was the perfect person for this role. I've always loved Maria Callas, and seeing Jolie bring her to life like this touched me deeply," he recalls.

Jolie's ability to capture the essence of the opera and blend her voice with Callas' original recordings was remarkable. It showed her versatility as an actress and her willingness to take on new challenges.

Versatility Beyond Acting

Throughout her career, Angelina Jolie has proven to be a remarkable human being. In addition to her acting, she has directed several films, produced Broadway's Tony-winning The Outsiders, worked as a humanitarian, and raised six children. Vetro notes, "I feel like anything she decides to do, she can do. She inspires me to always give 150% every minute of the day."

Her performance in 'Maria' is just another example of her ability to excel in different fields. It showcases her determination and passion for pushing boundaries.

Maria is now in theaters and will be available to stream on Netflix on December 11. Vetro recently offered his skills for BBC Maestro's "Sing Like the Stars," an eight-hour series featuring advice from his star students Sabrina Carpenter, John Legend, and Marissa Jaret Winokur. The course is available now.