Norma and Lisette Oropesa

NORMA & LISETTE OROPESA – VINCENZO BELLINI | CONCERT VERSION

LANGUAGE: Italian; Finnish and English surtitles

DURATION: 3 h 30 min, 1 intermission

AGE RECOMMENDATION: 12 years and older

Norma, especially in its concert version, has a long-standing tradition. As one of the most important works of the bel canto repertoire, it has been established as the diamond standard for a soprano’s vocal and dramatic prowess. Recordings of the aria “Casta diva” have been made famous by the likes of Maria Callas and Edita Gruberova.

With Lisette Oropesa, who will sing the title role for the very first time, the new generation of singers has found just the perfect someone to continue the legacy of grand soprano art. Known to the Savonlinna Opera Festival audience for her stellar performance in the 2023 production of Roméo et Juliette, Lisette has since continued to grace the world’s leading opera houses, firmly establishing herself as one of the true superstars of the operatic stage. 

SYNOPSIS

Highpriestes Norma and Roman proconsule Pollione have a secret, that could destroy their lives in a heartbeat. Deeply in love they had two children together. Not only is this fatal, considering they should be enemies, but also, because Norma has sworn chastity. When Pollione falls in love with young novice Adalgisa, Norma burns with jealousy. Driven by her rage and also terribly bad conscience for having betrayed her people, she stands in front of a tribunal, confesses and gets burned on the stake. Pollione follows her into death. 

Program and cast

LISETTE OROPESA - NORMA

JOHN OSBORN - POLLIONE

Conductor: Riccardo Frizza

The Göteborg Orchestra

The Göteborg Opera Chorus