Norma

Norma lives between two worlds. She is the voice of an occupied and bellicose people, but also the secret mistress of Pollione, the enemy’s commander. Facing this impossible dilemma, she hides her children from her compatriots, while frantically trying to ward off their revolt. When Pollione determines to leave her for the much younger Adalgisa, all her worlds suddenly implode. Torn by love and a desire for revenge, she is left with just one final sacrifice.

Norma, one of the ten operas Vincenzo Bellini composed during his short lifetime, is now among the most popular in the bel canto repertoire. The well-known aria ‘Casta diva’ speaks to the heart and the imagination, but behind the exquisite cantilenas of Bellini’s score lurks a tragedy about dogged determination and hatred. Director Christophe Coppens’ staging reveals how Norma’s secret double life and her struggle with a narrow-minded and oppressive society is more relevant than ever today. His 2021 production – interrupted by one last Covid lockdown – will at last have the opportunity to win over a wide audience, under the musical direction of George Petrou.