A striking new production of the opera Norma opens Ventnor Arts Club’s 2016/17 season of wonderfully colourful, live satellite broadcasts of Ballet and Opera from the Royal Opera House on Monday 26th September.
Norma is distinguished by a superlative cast of internationally renowned singers. Bellini’s classic bel canto opera is full of wonderful melodies and opportunities for star singing. But it is especially known for Norma’s stunning showpiece aria, ‘Casta diva’. Àlex Ollé of innovative Catalan theatre group La Fura dels Baus directs, bringing a modern edge to this timeless tale of love, rivalry and betrayal, set against a backdrop of war driven by the extremes of a fanatically religious society.
Royal Opera Music Director Antonio Pappano conducts this stunning cast, including Joseph Calleja as Norma’s secret lover, Pollione and Sonia Ganassi as the priestess Adalgisa.
The rest of the season includes classic opera like Cosi Fan Tutti and Madama Butterfly, the ballets Anastasia and The Sleeping Beauty, along with many others.
Stephen Izatt of Ventnor Arts Club says:
“We are really happy to present such a rich and varied line up of entertainment that would otherwise be difficult or inconvenient for South Wight audiences to see.
“Alongside the NT Live, RSC live, Branagh Theatre and other broadcasts we hope that there is something for everybody”.
Non-members are very welcome and a full programme of events is listed at www.ventnorartslcub.com. Tickets are available online or by phoning 01983 857060.
