Norma in Munich on June 2nd was one of those evenings that reminds you why you travel for opera, why you endure hours in transit for the privilege of experiencing three hours of bliss and great music. Norma is to sopranos what Otello is to tenors—an extraordinarily complex role to tackle, difficult to learn, with seemingly endless passages, demanding an exceptionally wide vocal range.
Sonya Yoncheva, one of the greatest sopranos in the world, took on the role of Norma. I had high expectations for her in this role, which I had never seen her perform before. She was extraordinary. With a powerful voice, she managed to excel in a role that is notoriously difficult to cast. Yoncheva’s performance was nothing short of magnificent.
Joseph Calleja, whom I am accustomed to seeing in roles like Tosca and La Bohème, delivered a solid performance as Pollione. While he is more familiar with Italian lyric opera than bel canto, his distinctive voice stood out, and he handled the role admirably.
A special mention must go to Tara Erraught. This was my first time seeing her perform, and it certainly won’t be the last. Her stage presence was extraordinary, and her crystal-clear voice was perfect. Performers like Erraught are the reason I have a passion for traveling to see opera. I eagerly anticipate hearing her in other roles.
The beautiful Emily Sierra played her role beautifully. I see that her agency, Askonas Holt, has a knack for spotting future talents. Sierra’s performance was commendable and added depth to the production.
Flavio and Oroveso
Granit Musliu and Roberto Tagliavini, as Flavio and Oroveso respectively, delivered solid performances, contributing to the overall strength of the cast.
Chorus and Orchestra
A particular mention must be made of the chorus, which made me shiver with excitement throughout much of the evening. Even as I write this review, I still have goosebumps. The chorus added an essential layer to the production, enhancing the overall emotional impact.
Under the direction of conductor Gianluca Capuano, the orchestra brought Bellini’s score to life with precision and passion, complementing the vocal performances perfectly.
The Theater Experience
The Bayerische Staatsoper is a theater I adore. The welcome is always very warm, the ambiance unique, with a very attentive and passionate audience. I am already looking forward to returning next year to see Macbeth and La fille du régiment!
Overall, it was a spectacular evening of opera, and I highly recommend catching this production if you have the chance. The talent on stage, combined with the exceptional orchestral and choral performances, made for an unforgettable experience.
