The Verdict
Read Reviews for the Metropolitan Opera’s Opening Night Production of Norma
A new staging of the Bellini opera launched the company’s 2017–2018 season September 25.
The Metropolitan Opera’s new season began September 25 with a gala presentation of the bel canto staple Norma. The new production from director David McVicar will play 11 more performances through December 16.
Taking center stage on opening night was soprano Sondra Radvanovsky in the title role—one she has sung numerous times at the Met and in opera houses around the world—mezzo soprano Joyce DiDonato making her role debut as Adalgisa, and Joseph Calleja as Pollione.
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Read reviews for the production below. Playbill will continue to update as more reviews come in.
HuffPost (Wilborn Hampton)
New York Classical Review
New York Magazine (Justin Davidson)
The New York Times (Anthony Tommasini)
Observer (James Jorden)
OperaWire (Kim Feltkamp)
The Washington Post (Anne Midgette)
WQXR (David Patrick Stearns)
Bellini’s Norma uses a score replete with vocal pyrotechnics to tell the story of a Druid priestess, the double life she lives, and the dangerous love triangle between her, her confidant-turned-rival, and her secret lover belonging to the Druids’ political enemy.
Radvanovsky will continue in the role through October 11, and Marina Rebeka will take on the role for two performances: October 16 and 20. When performances resume at the house in December, the opera will be sung by a new cast led by Angela Meade as Norma and Jamie Barton as Adalgisa.
The creative team for the new production includes set designer Robert Jones, costume designer Moritz Junge, and lighting designer Paule Constable.
