Norma – Royal Opera House
Bellini’s bel canto masterpiece Norma had its premiere at La Scala, Milan, on Boxing Day 1831. After a muted initial response, the opera quickly became popular, and is now a mainstay of the repertory, being particularly acclaimed as a vehicle for the lead soprano.
The priestess Norma (Sonya Yoncheva) loves Pollione (Joseph Calleja), leader of the occupying force suppressing her people, and has secretly borne two children by him. But Pollione’s love for Norma has withered, and he now loves her fellow priestess Adalgisa (Sonia Ganassi). Meanwhile, the people urgently look to Norma to lead their rebellion. Norma discovers the love between Pollione and Adalgisa. Furiously she gives the signal for war. Pollione is captured, attempting to steal away with Adalgisa. Norma, called upon to announ...