Norma

Story

Synopsis

Dame Joan Sutherland considered Norma, the lead character of Bellini’s bel canto melodrama, one of her favourite roles. She performed the brilliant and challenging score for Australian audiences for the first time in this 1978 production at the Sydney Opera House, reuniting with her regular collaborator Margreta Elkins, who plays Adalgisa, as well as Ronald Stevens and Clifford Grant. Set in Ancient Gaul, the opera tells the story of a clash between the Druids and the occupying Romans. In the middle of it all is Norma, the high priestess caught in a dangerous love triangle. This luscious production is directed by Italian director Sandro Sequi and conducted by Richard Bonynge.

Directors

Sandro Sequi, William Fitzwater

Language

Italian

Country

Australia

Release date

1 August 1978

Ensemble

Cast

• Joan Sutherland

  Norma

• Margreta Elkins

  Adalgisa

• Clifford Grant

  Oroveso

• Ron Stevens

  Pollione

• Etela Piha

  Clothilde

• Trevor Brown

  Flavio