“Norma” is known as the Mount Everest of the soprano repertoire. It’s a role that few sopranos dare take on, but it is one that most want to sing at some point in their career.

This week Liudmyla Monastyrska puts her mark on the repertory staple for the first time in the U.S

Known as one of the great dramatic sopranos of her generation, Monastyrska has conquered some of the most difficult roles in the repertoire including Abigaille in “Nabucco,” Lady Macbeth in “Macbeth,” Santuzza in “Cavalleria Rusticana,” the title role of “Aida,” “Tosca,” and the title role of “Manon Lescaut.” With “Norma” she steps into the Bel Canto repertoire, which American audiences have yet to see her in. With Bel Canto it’s all about the long line and agile coloratura and Monastyrka has proven she is up to the task in a concert performance in the Ukraine.

After having made a successful LA Opera debut and conquering the Metropolitan Opera, Houston audiences are in for a treat with Monastyrska’s powerful voice and her acclaimed Norma for the first time since 2015.

For those not in the US for the debut, Monastryska returns to Europe for engagements at the Royal Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Wiener Staatsoper, and Gran Threat Liceu.

Recordings 

For those not familiar with the soprano’s voice, there are numerous recordings that are musts. Her breakout “Macbeth” from the Royal Opera House showcases a vocally exact reading of the Verdi score and her recording of Abigaille in “Nabucco” from the Royal Opera House is beautifully matched with Plácido Domingo in the title role.

There are also two HD recordings currently available on the Met stream, “Nabucco” and “Aida.”