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Norma is wrapped up in forbidden love, much like the classic Romeo and Juliet story. In Norma, the love affair between representatives of opposing factions is complicated by a third party. High Priestess Norma's lover is Pollione, the hated Roman commander who has conquered Gaul. He is also the father of Norma's two secret children. If the affair is revealed, Norma will lose her position. When Pollione falls in love with the young priestess Adalgisa, Norma is furious, and the story takes a tragic and fatal turn.
The work, especially its concert version, has a long tradition. In Norma, one of the masterpieces of bel canto , the audience can enjoy the vocal prowess of the soprano soloists. The work's iconic "Casta diva" aria has been made famous by bel canto heroines Maria Callas and Edita Gruberova, among others.
Now, for the first time, the role of Norma is taken up by Lisette Oropesa, a dazzling star of a young generation of singers, continuing the tradition of great sopranos. She made an indelible impression on Opera Festival audiences as Juliana in Romeo and Juliet in 2023. Since then, she has conquered the world's greatest opera stages and established herself among the true superstars of opera.
Lisette will be debuting this role