NORMA

Saturday, July 17 @ 8:15pm | Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater | Sung in Italian with English supertitles

Music: Vincenzo Bellini
Libretto: Felice Romani

B.Quintiliani

R.Smith

E.Bishop

P.Cokorinos

J.Colaneri

Barbara Quintiliani & Maestro Dean Williamson with the CSO, Il Trovatore, 2009

Vincenzo Bellini's lyric drama tells the story of the Druid priestess, Norma, who is spurned by her lover and father of her two children, Pollione, the proconsul of the hated Romans. When he deserts her for the love of the young priestess, Adalgisa, Norma's jealousy leads to tragedy. Norma is the pinnacle of the 19th century florid vocal style known as "bel canto."

For the first time in its history, Chautauqua Opera presents a fully staged production - with sets, lights and costumes - in Chautauqua's historic Amphitheater. After her enormous success in The Troubadour (Il Trovatore) last season, Barbara Quintiliani returns to sing the title role for the first time, a role which is acknowledged as one of the most challenging and beautiful in the entire soprano repetoire. She leads a cast of great singers for this Chautauqua Opera premiere.

Norma will be sung in Italian with English supertitles. This will be a Chautauqua event you won't want to miss.