Introduction Artistic profile Gallery More info Subscribe nowFrom May 27 PRIORITY SALE01/09/21 GENERAL PUBLIC SALE08/09/21 Outstanding production made by Àlex Ollé for London's Royal Opera House “We should not be ashamed to weep from emotion as we listen to it” Richard Wagner The high priestess Norma is the spiritual leader of the revolt against the Roman but she is also in love with Pollione, the leader of the forces of occupation which are oppressing her people, and has already borne him two children. Her betrayal threatens the survival of the community. Norma's discovery that Pollione is now in love with her friend Adalgisa triggers off a series of emotional reactions: after furiously calling on her people to rise in arms she ultimately decides to sacrifice her own life. Paradise for her is the haven of religious faith, but also Pollione's love and her people's well-being. This outstanding production was originally made by Àlex Ollé for London's Royal Opera House. It takes an up-to-date approach, setting the action against the background of an oppressive religion. While exploring the clash between individual desires and those of the community, Ollé depicts religion as a binding force and a way of making sense of the world, but also as a means for repressing any individual who violates the law. Torn between her own will and her people's freedom, Norma is also the powerless captive of collective references (social mores, revered ancient symbols and beliefs). Her doubts and fragility take on present-day connotations in the face of a religion verging on fanaticism, the blind instrument of an inflexible law. Norma, an obedient daughter, betrayed lover and desperate mother, is stifled by norms. Left with no way out, she becomes a veritable heroine who confesses her guilt and is willing to die. This tale of the purifying power of sacrifice features one of the most difficult and emblematic leading roles in the history of opera. A masterpiece of bel canto, it was only the third opera staged at the Liceu in its very first season, in 1847, and is the perfect example of a tragedy in music. PARADISE: faith, the love of Pollione and the community's well-being Norma Tragedia lirica in two acts. Libretto by Felice Romani, based on the play Norma ou L’infanticide by Alexandre Soumet. World premiere: 26/12/1831 at the Teatre alla Scala, Milan. Barcelona premiere: 4/6/1835 at the Teatre de la Santa Creu. First Liceu performance: 16/10/1847. Last Liceu performance: 17/2/ 2015. Total number of Liceu performances: 155. Approximate running time 3h 10m Artistic profileStage directorSet designAlfons FloresCustome desigsLluc CastellsLightingMarco FilibeckVideoFinn RossProductionNorma was produced in association with the Royal Opera House Covent Garden in London. This production was seen for the first time in London at the Royal Opera House on 12 September 2016.Chorus of the Gran Teatre del Liceu (Pablo Assante, director)Symphony Orchestra of the Gran Teatre del LiceuConductorDomingo HindoyanCastPollionePaolo Fanale18th,21th,24th,27th,30th JulyAiram Hernández19th,22th,25th,26th,28th,31th JulyOrovesoNicolas Testé18th,21th,24th,27th,30th JulyMarko Mimica19th,22th,25th,26th,28th,31th JulyNormaMarina Rebeka18th,21th,24th,27th,30th JulyMarta Mathéu19th,26th JulySonya Yoncheva22th,25th,28th,31th JulyAdalgisaVarduhi Abrahamian18th,21th,24th,27th,30th JulyTeresa Iervollino19th,22th,25th,26th,28th,31th JulyClotildeNúria VilàFlavioNéstor Losán July 202218Monday19:00Turn Abuy19Tuesday19:00Turn PEbuy21Thursday19:00Turn Bbuy22Friday19:00Turn Ebuy24Sunday17:00Turn Tbuy25Monday19:00Turn PCbuy26Tuesday19:00Turn Hola Liceubuy27Wednesday19:00Turn P (PA)buy28Thursday19:00Turn HADbuy30Saturday19:00Turn Cbuy31Sunday18:00Turn PDbuy 'Norma' (© ROH / Bill Cooper) 'Norma' (© ROH / Bill Cooper) 'Norma' (© ROH / Bill Cooper) 'Norma' (© ROH / Bill Cooper) 'Norma' (© ROH / Bill Cooper) 'Norma' (© ROH / Bill Cooper) Information of Interest Briefing session The Liceu offers a briefing session in the main hall before the start of each dramatized opera performance. It begins 50 minutes before the show. Broadcasts Free Catalunya Música live stream on Monday, July 18 at 7pm (CET). Not available for streaming worldwide, due to copyright or other clearance issues.