Great Performances at the Met - PBS Broadcast: Bellini's 'Norma'
PBS.org: Season 12 of Great Performances at the Met begins with a new production of Bellini’s masterpiece about a woman scorned, conducted by Carlo Rizzi. Norma stars Sondra Radvanovsky as the titlular druid high priestess, opposite Joyce DiDonato as Norma’s new rival and Joseph Calleja as her unfaithful lover – a casting dream for bel canto fans.
Premieres nationwide Friday, January 26 at 9 p.m. on PBS
Encore presentation Sunday, January 28 at 12 p.m. on PBS (check local listings)
Sir David McVicar’s production is set deep in a forest where druids and warriors seek revenge against the conquering Romans. Norma is scorned by the Roman proconsul Pollione, with whom she has two children. Her kindness turns to fury when she discovers that Pollione has taken Adalgisa, a novice priestess, as his new lover. When Pollione loses his high rank in the army and is offered as a sacrifice, Norma promises him freedom under one condition. Soprano Susanna Phillips hosts the broadcast.