Set against the struggles of culture and religion in Roman occupied Gaul, Norma is an epic story of love, lust, and the struggle for power. The druid high-priestess and daughter of King Oroveso, Norma is secretly in a love affair with a man who should be her enemy; the Roman proconsul Pollione. After years of hiding their affair - breaking Norma’s vow of purity - and two children together, Pollione becomes infatuated with a young novice priestess: Norma’s confidante Adalgisa.
Norma is now tasked with leading a rebellion against the Roman legions. She is in deep conflict over the fate of her children in the impending war. Adalgisa is torn between love for Pollione, betrayal of Norma and of her own vows. Pollione is driven by his desire for dominance. Betrayal, heartbreak, rage and the clash of cultures weigh heavily on this love triangle. In the end someone will have to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Packed with vocal fireworks, achingly beautiful arias and fierce characters, this iconic opera stands at the pinnacle of the bel canto repertoire. Even Wagner, who didn’t like Italian opera, admired Bellini and Norma tremendously as an example of the essence of what opera can emotionally deliver. Come and bask in an evening of 19th-century diva power anthems and famous duets, this opera is FULL of hits!