Vincenzo Bellini's NORMA

Bath Opera has assembled a stellar international cast for the major roles in this fully staged production. Norma is a tale of epic passions across the divides of conflict, in this case, between the Romans and the Gaul Druids around 50BC. A taboo-breaking love triangle threatens to provoke a blood curdling response but culminates in ultimate self sacrifice.

Maria Callas sang the role of Norma more times than any other but it is rarely heard today largely because the technical complexity requires very specialist voices. The role of Norma will be shared between two superb coloratura sopranos Joelene Griffiths from Australia and Cecilia Zhang from China. Her counterpart,Pollione, will be shared between Swedish tenor John Haque and British Robert Felstead.

Norma contains stunning solo arias such as 'Casta Diva', beautiful poignant duets, fiery trios and rousing choruses.

The Bath Opera chorus and orchestra will be conducted by William Stevens making his debut with the company. Design and Direction is in the hands of Neil Kirkman whose previous work with Bath Opera includes the award winning Peter Grimes and Eugene Onegin.

Norma will be sung In Italian with English surtitles.