Norma

The druidess Norma loves Pollione, commander of the Roman occupying forces. Norma hides not only her relationship with Pollione from her people, but also the two children she has born him. Norma is expected to rouse the Gauls to war. She, however, proclaims the message of the »chaste goddess«: peace. But Pollione has fallen in love with temple virgin Adalgisa. An unexpected meeting reveals his betrayal.

Bellini’s Norma (1831) is widely considered as a highlight of bel canto.