Norma by Opera in Williamsburg Virginia

Bellini's Norma is among the most celebrated examples of Italian opera of the earlier 19th Century. Its storyline , with beautiful singing (bell canto) , that is, beautiful singing that expresses emotions and dramatic development, the Italian opera style that prevailed throughout Europe in the early 19th Century. The story involves conflict between responsibility and emotions, both in the public and the private sphere. At the core of the opera are two women, Norma the Druid high priestess and Adelgisa her younger acolyte, and Polione, the Roman proconsul.