• Bellini
  • May - June 2026
  • Dublin, Wexford, Cork

Norma

Passion. Betrayal. Divine Music.

In the hauntingly beautiful world of Bellini’s Norma, a Druid high priestess is torn between her sacred vows and forbidden love for an enemy commander. Norma has secretly had two children with her Roman lover, but when he turns his affections to another, his betrayal ignites a harrowing chain of events, forcing her to contemplate unthinkable revenge.

From the iconic aria “Casta diva” to the opera’s devastating finale, Bellini’s score is a masterwork of bel canto brilliance with some of opera’s most emotionally charged music. Every note reveals the raw, human cost of love and sacrifice.

Georgian soprano Salome Jicia sings Norma, a tour de force role of vocal artistry made famous by Maria Callas. Guatemalan tenor Mario Chang (La traviata 2024), described by the New York Times as “a born bel canto tenor” is Pollione, the Roman commander.

Norma is conducted by Maurizio Benini. Long-time INO collaborator Orpha Phelan (La bohème 2023, Don Pasquale 2022 & Cinderella 2019) directs, with set & costume design by Madeleine Boyd. Featuring the Irish National Opera Orchestra and Chorus.

Norma is sung in Italian with English surtitles.

In partnership with the John Pollard Foundation. 

Join the conversation online with #INONorma

Cast & Creative Team

Cast

Cast
Norma Salome Jicia
Pollione Mario Chang
Adalgisa Siobhán Stagg
Oroveso William Guanbo Su
Flavio Aaron O'Hare
Clotilde Leanne Fitzgerald

Creative Team

Creative Team
Conductor Maurizio Benini
Director Orpha Phelan
Set & Costume Designer Madeleine Boyd
Lighting Designer Matt Haskins
Assistant Conductor Peter Joyce
Chorus Director Richard McGrath
Assistant Director Grace Morgan
Répétiteur Brenda Hurley
Irish National Opera Chorus
Irish National Opera Orchestra
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