NORMA

St. Petersburg Days in the Republic of Serbia

Guest Performance of the St. Petersburg Opera at the Madlenianum Stage

Vincenzo Bellini

NORMA

May 14, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Large Stage of Madlenianum

The Opera Norma is a tragic lyric drama, first performed in 1831. The plot takes place in Gaul under Roman rule and follows the fate of the priestess Norma, torn between her duty to her people and a forbidden love for the Roman proconsul. The opera is renowned for its expressive melodies and the aria Casta Diva, one of the pinnacles of the bel canto repertoire. In Yuri Alexandrov’s direction, the story acquires a contemporary resonance, and the heroine’s inner conflict is viewed through the universal themes of love, duty and sacrifice.

“In the ethereal quality of Norma’s melodies lies their divine power. These sounds act like celestial music, they do not address the intellect, but the soul, they reach the very heart and remain there forever. This is the composer’s highest skill, to make the soul tremble in harmony with simple yet perfect notes”, said Alexander Goikhman, conductor of the performance.