Opera Screening: Norma

Instituto Cervantes Pekín hosts an opera summer season with screenings of the most representative productions by Gran Teatre del Liceu de Barcelona, one of the most emblematic opera theatres of the world.

Norma is a tragedia lirica or opera in two acts by Vincenzo Bellini. First produced at La Scala on December 26, 1831, it is generally regarded as an example of the supreme height of the bel canto tradition. "Casta diva" was one of the most familiar arias of the nineteenth century.

A secret love unites the seer Norma with Pollione, the Roman proconsul, father of her two children. But Pollione has grown tired of the aging druid and has fallen in love with Adalgisa, a young temple virgin. Despite Adalgisa's piety and virtue, she agrees to flee to Rome with Pollione. Adalgisa innocently tells Norma of her love, and Norma curses Pollione for his treachery.