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Presented by Musica Viva and staged at Hong Kong City Hall, Concert Hall, the upcoming classical production of “Norma” by Professor Lo is the second revival of this captivating opera since its 1989 premiere in Hong Kong. The vocally challenging roles of Norma, Pollione and Adalgisa will be performed by two casts of renowned international singers.

“Norma” is a tragic opera in two acts by Vincenzo Bellini (1801 - 1835) with the libretto by Felice Romani (1788 - 1865), adapted from the play “Norma, or The Infanticide” by French poet Alexandre Soumet (1788 - 1845). Since its premiere at the famed La Scala in Milan, Italy in 1831, this leading example of the bel canto genre has been mesmerising audiences around the world.

The universal theme of inner struggle over love and betrayal always resonates. Set in Roman-occupied Gaul amidst the Gallic people’s uprising against the occupiers, “Norma” is centred on the love triangle between the high priestess Norma, her lover Pollione, the Roman proconsul of Gaul, and the novice priestess Adalgisa. In defiance of her father the Druid Oroveso - the leader of the uprising - and breaking her chastity vow, Norma has been secretly married to Pollione and borne him two children. After discovering that Pollione has fallen in love with her friend Adalgisa, Norma is enraged and contemplating revenge by killing her two children. However, Norma’s maternal love causes her to recoil from the terrible act of filicide. Instead, she tries to convince Pollione to return to her. This compelling tragedy grips the audience with many questions: will Adalgisa end up betraying Norma and fleeing with Pollione? And will Norma call the Gallic warriors to war against the Romans and kill Pollione?   

The complex emotions of the main characters in “Norma” are conveyed through some of the most beautiful and challenging melodies composed by Bellini. For the second revival of “Norma” in the city, Professor Lo takes an authentic approach in his directions based on Bellini’s original intentions. The opera’s poetic vibrancy is vividly delivered by a stellar artistic team of local talent: the debut of Musica Viva Orchestra conducted by the acclaimed conductor Vivian Ip, in her third opera production with the company; set designer Isaac Wong; costume designer Andrew Cheung; and lighting designer Zoe Cheung.

The vocally demanding roles will be brought to life by two casts of international singers. Spanish soprano Laura Alonso Padín and American soprano Meryl Dominguez will perform the role of the Druid high priestess Norma, while American tenors Dominick Chenes and Todd Wilander will take on the role of Pollione, Norma’s treacherous husband. American mezzo-soprano Hilary Ginther and Russian mezzosoprano Tsvetana Omelchuk will sing the role of the innocent young
priestess Adalgisa. Puerto Rican bass Ricardo Lugo will make his role debut as the Druid chief Oroveso. The outstanding international casts will be joined by prominent local sopranos Colette Lam and Jessica Ng, playing the role of Norma’s confidante Clotilde, and tenor Henry Ngan, playing the role of Pollione’s associate Flavio.