So… this was my 5th year in a row at the Gstaad Menuhin Festival, after highlights like I Puritani and a magical Tosca two years ago. This time, it was Norma — another Italian masterpiece, with Sonya Yoncheva in the title role. And let me just say it right away: she’s firmly in the world’s top 3 sopranos right now, no doubt.
This exact Norma was also performed at Baden-Baden a few days later, and Bern will host it on August 30 (different cast, but the same excellent Bern chorus who were also on stage here in Gstaad).
Now, Gstaad is a pretty special spot for classical music — three different festivals each year, with the Menuhin being the most prestigious. The program is always top-class, and while the hall was only about 80% full this time (a bit strange for Norma), the festival is still in great shape financially and has a loyal crowd. Quick shout-out to people like Aline Foriel-Destezet and the Minkoff Foundation — without patrons like them, so many of these cultural events just wouldn’t exist.
Back to the show: Sonya Yoncheva absolutely owned the night. Her presence, her voice — goosebumps. The climax came with “Guerra, guerra!”, where the whole atmosphere just turned electric. Her duet with Karine Deshayes? Honestly one of the best I’ve ever heard live. The French mezzo was simply on fire — powerful, precise, and magnetic. The chemistry between the two of them was undeniable, and in a semi-staged concert format, that kind of connection makes all the difference.
Tenor Stefan Pop also deserves a mention. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t convinced by him in a Don Carlo in Dresden two years ago, but this time… he surprised me. The role is tough, and even though he had to sing part of a duet off-stage, practically facing away from the audience, he delivered with confidence. Respect.
And then… Alex Vinogradov. THE bass of the moment. My god, what a voice. I had loved him in Forza del destino at La Scala in 2024, and hearing him again here was pure joy. His Act I aria? Absolute fire.
On the podium, Domingo Hindoyan (newly appointed music director of LA Opera starting next season) led a tight, energetic performance. He’s one of those conductors who doesn’t just beat time — he lives the music, body and soul. That energy carried through the whole evening.
All in all? A fantastic Norma, a perfect way to close my festival season. Gstaad, see you next year.
CAST
Sonya Yoncheva – Norma
Alexander Vinogradov – Oroveso
Stefan Pop – Pollione
Marin Yonchev – Flavio
Karine Deshayes – Adalgisa
Kristine Klein – Clotilde
Domingo Hindoyan – Conductor
Chor der BĂĽhnen Bern
