Vincenzo Bellini: Norma (Opus Arte Blu-Ray Disc)

Hugh Smith, Giorgio Giuseppini, Hasmik Papian, Irini Tsirakidis, Anna Steiger & Carlo Bosi

Julian Reynolds (musical director) & Guy Joosten (stage director)

In Guy Joosten’s ingenious production of Bellini’s masterpiece, Norma is about more than just beautiful singing. It becomes a layered, timeless drama in which Norma is the archetypal successful woman struggling to retain her dominant but vulnerable position. Hasmik Papian’s lyrical and intense interpretation of the title role accentuates the striking similarity between a Druid high priestess and a modern opera diva. Conductor Julian Reynolds guides the brilliant cast, choir and Netherlands Chamber Orchestra to great heights, providing a refreshing new take on the chef d’oeuvre of bel canto.