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It’s basically your classic Romeo and Juliet story but gets even trickier when a third wheel is introduced to the mix. High priestess Norma is in love with Roman proconsule Pollione, under whose command Norma’s land has been invaded and her people subjected to Roman rule. Despite fighting on opposite fronts, they not only have fallen in love, but have had two children in secret. No one can know of Norma’s and Pollione’s relationship, for this would mean Norma’s political fall from grace. When Pollione falls in love with the young priestess Adalgisa, Norma is deeply hurt and angered. The events take a tragic and fatal turn.
Norma, especially in its concert version, has a long-standing tradition. As one of the most important works of the bel canto repertoire, it has been established as the diamond standard for a soprano’s vocal and dramatic prowess. Recordings of the aria “Casta diva” have been made famous by the likes of Maria Callas and Edita Gruberova.
With Lisette Oropesa, who will sing the title role for the very first time, the new generation of singers has found just the perfect someone to continue the legacy of grand soprano art. Known to the Savonlinna Opera Festival audience for her stellar performance in the 2023 production of Roméo et Juliette, Lisette has since continued to grace the world’s leading opera houses, firmly establishing herself as one of the true superstars of the operatic stage.
