A close-knit community’s way of life is threatened by unstoppable change. The people want war. Their priestess Norma, secretly in love with one of the enemy, resists. But now he has a new love. And in the face of his betrayal, it seems Norma is prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Award-winning director Christopher Alden returns to ENO for our first-ever production of Bellini’s masterpiece. Celebrated for its finely shaped melodies and exquisite arias, Norma is full of ravishing music.

This critically acclaimed production sets the action in a rural community in the mid-19th century. Rising star soprano Marjorie Owens sings the demanding title role, alongside Peter Auty as the love-rat Pollione who cheats on her. Bel canto specialist Stephen Lord conducts.

Running time: 3hrs
Language: Sung in English, with surtitles projected above the stage
Signed Performance: 7 March 2016

Want to learn more about Norma?

Join a pre-performance discussion with musicologist Roger Parker, plus designer Charles Edwards, on 24 February.

Norma, Opera North (2012). Photo: Alastair Muir

Norma, Opera North (2012). Photo: Alastair Muir

Norma, Opera North (2012). Photo: Alastair Muir

Norma, Opera North (2012). Photo: Alastair Muir

Norma, Opera North (2012). Photo: Alastair Muir

Norma, Opera North (2012). Photo: Alastair Muir

Norma, Opera North (2012). Photo: Alastair Muir

Norma, Opera North (2012). Photo: Alastair Muir

Norma, Opera North (2012). Photo: Alastair Muir

Norma cast and creative team

Originally created by Opera North in a co-production with Die Theater Chemnitz

New production supported by the English National Opera Trust and the American Friends of ENO.