Norma Bellini, Exeter Cathedral, 1st April
By Josh Adamson
Set in Exeter’s grand Cathedral, the perfect environment for such a performance. Norma Bellini is the story of a complicated war time romance between Pollione and Norma.
The opera is set in Rome. To make the love affair more complicated, Norma is torn between her love for Polionne and her religious duty plus Polionne is already married.
With the scene set, the opera itself was wonderful to behold, particularly in the cathedral with its acoustics setting an emotive atmosphere.
The orchestra were wonderful and all vocal performances well received.
Though the story got complicated in places and the side translations hard to follow sometimes, this opera was a pleasure to watch.
If you’re a fan of opera check out the English Touring Opera when they are in town.