Bellini’s “La Sonnambula” is one of the most popular Bel Canto works in the repertoire and one of the touchstones in the coloratura soprano repertoire. The work features the famous sleepwalking scene and the daunting finale cavatina “Ah Non Giunge.” This week Daniela Fally takes on the role for the first time in her career at the Vienna State Opera.

Austrian-born Fally has become one of the most in-demand coloratura sopranos around Austria and Germany and there is a reason why. She poses a bright sound with virtuosic high notes that easily resonate throughout  the hall and her comic timing is something that she has been praised for. In 2006 she was awarded the Eberhard Waechter Medal for Singing for her interpretation of Adele in “Die Fledermaus” and critics have stated that she was born to sing the comic role. She has conquered the role in Vienna at both the Volksoper and the Vienna State Opera and she also performed it at her American debut at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

This season she is celebrating 10 years since her debut at the Vienna State Opera and she rang in the New Year with her signature role of Adele. Since her debut at the Vienna State Opera, Fally has sung the roles of  Zerbinetta in Strauss’ “Ariadne auf Naxos,” Sophie in Strauss’ “Der Rosenkavalier,” Oscar in Verdi’s “Un Ballo in maschera,” Rosina in Rossini’s “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” and Fiakermilli in Strauss’ “Arabella,” the role of her debut.

But it is “La Sonnambula” that should intrigue audiences as it is a role that brings Fally into the prima donna bel canto roles and a role that puts her center stage. Amina is challenging from a musical standpoint and one that has been conquered by many of the leading divas. Not only does its showcase a more lyrical side to the soprano but it also features the soprano’s virtuosic side. It is also a role that will definitely give Fally more international recognition. With the support of Juan Diego Florez as her Elvino, a role he has performed for over a decade, and the ever-popular bass Luca Pisaroni, this should be a night to remember.