Norma
by Vincenzo Bellini

Our 2006 season began with Bellini's Norma. This was our first concert performance, and the debut of the Center Stage Opera Chorus under the direction of Steve Barton (see biography). Accompaniment was provided by Kathryn Foster (see biography) on Piano and Anne Lutz and Nancy Reitzel on flutes.

Opera companies all over the world are facing huge deficits. Although lavish productions are wonderful to see, the reality is that times have changed. The emphasis is now more than ever on the characters, and the plot and the development of each through beautiful music and beautiful singing and acting. Eve Queller has been producing and conducting concert performances of well-known and little known operas in New York City for many years with much critical and financial success.

Norma is of the "Bel Canto" style- bel canto meaning beautiful singing, and a style that emphasizes the voice and singing technique. The orchestra which becomes a major voice in the later, Verdi, Puccini and Wagner operas, provides purely for accompaniment.. Mood, color, emotion, and characterization are the responsibility of the singers. While one would never wish to do away totally with the thrill of a lavish production, there is much to be said for a concert performance that allows one to concentrate fully on the music and the singing, and therefore that has its own special thrill.

We are proud to welcome the CSO Opera Chorus for this performance. They are a wonderful asset to the company and hope to include them in future performances.

Synopsis

Set in ancient Gaul, Norma tells of the clash between the Druids and the occupying Romans. While the Druids plan a revolt against their oppressors, the priestess Norma wrestles with her own inner demons, as she attempts to win back the love of the Roman pro-consul Pollione, whose children she has secretly borne. She must face the tragic destiny that this conflict between love and public duty sets in motion.

Cast

• Norma - Elizabeth Barron (see biography), Elizabeth Murphy
• Adalgisa - Galit Dadoun (see biography), Barbara Staffen (see biography)
• Pollione - Anthony Daion, Marshall Cooper
• Oroveso - John Sharpe
• Flavio - Patrick Sanders
• Clothilde - Kim O'Bryan, Tracy Smith (see biography)

Dates & Locations

• March 10, 24, 25, 2006 at 8:00 pm - Camp Hill United Methodist Church
• March 11, 2006 at 8:00 pm - Strand Capitol (York PA)

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