English National Opera

'Pierces to the core of the drama' ???? The Guardian

Norma explores the life of an enclosed community desperate to protect its beliefs in the face of unstoppable change. At the heart of this emotional rollercoaster lies the impossible love between Norma and Pollione, the father of her children and the outsider who is destroying her community’s way of life. When he betrays her love, she urges her people to rise up and fight for their freedom.

Award-winning director Christopher Alden (Partenope, Rigoletto) returns to ENO for our first-ever production of Bellini’s indisputable bel canto masterpiece. Celebrated for its finely shaped melodies and exquisite arias, Norma is full of ravishing music. This critically admired production is set in the American mid-west during the late nineteenth century.

Rising star soprano Marjorie Owens makes her UK operatic debut in the demanding title role, with leading British tenor Peter Auty playing the love-rat Pollione who cheats on her. Bel canto specialist Stephen Lord conducts.