The new season of the Metropolitan Opera kicks off September 25 with a gala presentation of Vincenzo Bellini’s Norma. Taking center stage is Sondra Ravanovsky, a reigning bel canto soprano of the New York company.
The new production hails from David McVicar; he will also stage the Met’s new Tosca, which is set to ring in the New Year with a December 31 premiere. The Scottish director recently worked with Radvanovsky in his 2016 production of Roberto Devereux. That bel canto opera marked the culmination of the soprano’s quest to become the first singer in Met history to sing all three of Donizetti’s queen roles (Anne Boleyn, Mary Stuart, and Elizabeth I) in one season.
Radvanovsky will play five performances. On October 16 and 20, Marina Rebeka will assume the role of Norma. After that, Angela Meade will take center stage, performing opposite Jamie Barton’s Adalgisa. Joseph Colaneri will take the podium as conductor with the new cast.
McVicar’s staging features sets by Robert Jones, costumes by Moritz Junge, and lighting design by Paule Constable.