the judges' citation read in part: "maria callas died in 1977 at age 53, but her tempestuous legend lives on. this essay is written with the same extraordinary passion and fire that characterized the opera diva's career. offered up on the occasion of callas's 90th birthday, this article acknowledges but righteously dismisses the 'petty, salacious lore' of the woman's private life and celebrates the performer's extreme dedication to her art [and] her lasting gifts to music. whether you agree or disagree, it's a compelling, absorbing read from start to finish. bravo!"