Bellini: Norma

About the production

In the bel canto masterpiece set during the Roman occupation of England, Adalgisa is a novice Druid priestess who is devoted to her leader, Norma. But she has also fallen in love with the proconsul Pollione and is about to run off with him to Rome when she learns that he has secretly fathered two children by Norma. Horrified, she rejects her lover and reaffirms her loyalty to the high priestess.

To open the Met’s 2017–18 season, powerhouse soprano Sondra Radvanovsky tackled one of opera’s most fearsome roles, the title druid priestess of Bellini’s Norma, and mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato sang Norma’s friend and rival, Adalgisa, in Sir David McVicar’s evocative production.

Available November 16, 2018

A large part of the opening night success was a stunning performance by Joyce DiDonato as Adalgisa, the young novice for whom Pollione plans to discard Norma. DiDonato, who is listed as a mezzo-soprano but who owns a lovely coloratura voice and is at home in bel canto roles, sings beautifully throughout. Her duets with Radvanovsky, especially the second act cabaletta in which the two women pledge friendship, are tender and moving ... she and Radvanovsky form a perfect match, especially in their reconciliation duet.

Wilborn Hampton - The Huffington Post

DiDonato etches an extraordinarily original characterization of Adalgisa as an empathic, gamine victim ... [She] offers exceptionally eloquent, stylish contributions to her duets with her costars.

Opera News

Joyce DiDonato’s achievement is even more significant in that it is hard to think of another Adalgisa who has responded so specifically (both as a singer and actress) to verbal meanings, employing a voice that — when not seeking extra volume — allows every syllable to register stirringly. She skirts the two high Cs, but otherwise he duets with Radvanovsky (sung in the original keys) are both musically compelling and dramatically focused.

Stephen Hastings - Opera