NCPA's Production of Bellini's Opera Norma

Published on Feb 22, 2015

Rating:

Genre: NCPA

Dates: April 30 - May 3, 2015

Prices: 100, 280, 380, 550, 600, 680, 880

Features: During the NCPA Opera Festival 2015, the NCPA's production of Bellini's classic opera Norma will be staged in Opera House from April 30th to May 3rd. This is the first Bellini's opera presented by NCPA.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION

Norma is a tragedia opera in two acts by Vincenzo Bellini with libretto by Felice Romani after Norma. It was first produced at La Scala in Milan on 26 December 1831. The opera is regarded as a leading example of the bel canto genre and a major soprano aria, "Casta diva", in act 1, is one of the most famous of the nineteenth century. A notable Norma of the post-war period was Maria Callas.

Norma is the first Bellini's opera presented by NCPA. Meanwhile, it marks also the debut of Norma in China. This production will be presented by NCPA Orchestra under the baton of renowned Italian conductor Renato Palumbo, who has been music director of Deutsche Oper Berlin;European director Pier' Alli will also create elaborate stage design for this production. Reputed for the original and farsighted creation concepts, he combines lots of symbolic elements with modern designs, absorbingsculptural aesthetics ideas whichwill bring the Chinese audience a thrilling artistic enjoyment.

SYNOPSIS

ACT I
Gaul, 50 BCE, during the Roman occupation. In a forest at night, the priest Oroveso leads the Druids in a prayer for revenge against the conquering Romans. After they have left, the Roman proconsul Pollione admits to his friend Flavio that he no longer loves the high priestess Norma, Oroveso's daughter, with whom he has two children. He has fallen in love with a young novice priestess, Adalgisa, who returns his love. Flavio warns him against Norma's anger. The Druids assemble and Norma prays to the moon goddess for peace. She tells her people that as soon as the moment for their uprising against the conquerors arrives, she herself will lead the revolt. At the same time, she realizes that she could never harm Pollione. When the grove is deserted, Adalgisa appears and asks for strength to resist Pollione. He finds her crying and urges her to flee with him to Rome. She agrees to renounce her vows.

Norma tells her confidante Clotilde that Pollione has been recalled to Rome. She is afraid that he will desert her and their children. Adalgisa confesses to Norma that she has a lover. Recalling the beginning of her own love affair, Norma is about to release Adalgisa from her vows and asks for the name of her lover. As Pollione appears, Adalgisa answers truthfully. Norma's kindness turns to fury. She tells Adalgisa about her own betrayal by the Roman soldier. Pollione confesses his love for Adalgisa and asks her again to come away with him, but she refuses and vows she would rather die than steal him from Norma.

ACT II
Norma, dagger in hand, tries to bring herself to murder her children in their sleep to protect them from living disgracefully without a father. She changes her mind and summons Adalgisa, advising her to marry Pollione and take the children to Rome. Adalgisa refuses: she will go to Pollione, but only to persuade him to return to Norma. Overcome by emotion, Norma embraces her, and the women reaffirm their friendship.The Druids assemble at their altar to hear Oroveso's announcement that a new commander will replace Pollione. Oroveso rages against the Roman oppression, but tells the Druids that they must be patient to ensure the success of the eventual revolt.

Norma is stunned to hear from Clotilde that Adalgisa's pleas have not persuaded Pollione, and in a rage she urges her people to attack the conquerors. Oroveso demands a sacrificial victim, and just then Pollione is brought in, having profaned the sanctuary. Alone with him, Norma promises him his freedom if he will leave Adalgisa and return to her. When he refuses, Norma threatens to kill him and their children, and to punish Adalgisa. She calls in the Druids and tells them that a guilty priestess must die, then confesses that she is referring to herself. Moved by her nobility, Pollione asks to share her fate. Norma begs Oroveso to watch over her children, then leads her lover to the pyre.