Tulsa Opera’s first production of Norma premiered on Saturday, April 30th, and continued for two more presentations on Friday May 6th and Sunday May 8th. Having attended the last two performances of the run, I can say that the company can pride itself in having assembled one of the most satisfying Norma casts that I have heard in the past fifteen years.…
Month: May 2011
Druids in Oklahoma – Counting down to Tulsa Opera’s production of Bellini’s Norma
Vincenzo Bellini’s Norma, the crown jewel of Bel Canto operas, premiered at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan on December 28, 1831 to an unenthusiastic reception. Following the path of other famous opening night fiascos (Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Sivilglia, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and Verdi’s La Traviata come to mind,) the opera’s importance was recognized after its second performance, and the story of the Druid Priestess who falls in love with the enemy quickly established itself as part of the international repertoire.…