Norma by Bellini, to 30 tammi 2025, Alkaen (2025/2025), Musiikinjohto Alejo Pérez, Opera Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium

The Gallic high priestess Norma does everything she can to stave off an inevitable uprising against the Roman oppressor for as long as possible. Pollione, the Roman ruler of occupied Gaul, has been Norma’s secret lover for years and is the father of her two clandestine children. When Norma learns that Pollione is leaving her for the much younger Adalgisa, she is forced to choose between patriotic duty and motherly care, between revenge and forgiveness, between hatred and love. With Norma, Vincenzo Bellini created one of the absolute highlights of the belcanto opera. The stunning arias and the moving duets require exceptional virtuosity, which remains at the service of the musical narrative. Conductor Alejo Pérez brings Bellini’s mesmerising composition to life with the impressive Anna Princeva in the title role, which is sometimes called the hardest vocal part in the entire opera repertoire.