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Norma for The Vancouver Opera

JUNE 19, 2009
Acrylic and ink on paper, 15" x 21"
This is the final image for The Vancouver Opera's 50th Anniversary Season.  All of the artwork is now on rotation here at vancouveropera.ca 


Norma is an opera in two acts by Vincenzo Bellini with libretto by Felice Romani.  The opera was first produced at La Scala on December 26, 1831:  "Passion leads to death when Norma, a powerful Druid priestess, has a secret affair - and two children- with Pllione, the commander of the occupying Roman army.  When she discovers that Pollione has seduced a young acolyte, Norma admits her own terrible guilt and offers herself in sacrifice to the gods.  She and Pollione die, engulfed in flames.
Norma is one of the great bel canto masterpieces.  Bellini's haunting melodies, dramatic scene-painting and tender and intense emotions have been praised by no less than Richard Wagner, who loved the opera's rich flow of melody and deep glow of truth.

Detail
Sketches
Maria Callas performance of 'Casta Diva' from Norma

© 2024 Edel Rodriguez