Irish National Opera presents Bellini Norma

Passion. Betrayal. Divine Music.

In the hauntingly beautiful world of Bellini’s Norma, a Druid high priestess is torn between her sacred vows and forbidden love for an enemy commander.

Norma has secretly had two children with her Roman lover, but when he turns his affections to another, his betrayal ignites a harrowing chain of events, forcing her to contemplate unthinkable revenge.

From the iconic aria “Casta diva” to the opera’s devastating finale, Bellini’s score is a masterwork of bel canto brilliance with some of opera’s most emotionally charged music. Every note reveals the raw, human cost of love and sacrifice.

Georgian soprano Salome Jicia sings Norma, a tour de force role of vocal artistry made famous by Maria Callas. Guatemalan tenor Mario Chang (La traviata 2024), described by the New York Times as “a born bel canto tenor” is Pollione, the Roman commander.

Norma is conducted by Maurizio Benini. Long-time INO collaborator Orpha Phelan (La bohème 2023, Don Pasquale 2022 & Cinderella 2019) directs, with set & costume design by Madeleine Boyd. Featuring the Irish National Opera Orchestra and chorus.

Norma is sung in Italian with English surtitles.