This week the Wiener Staatsoper is set to Present a new production of “Norma” with an all-star cast featuring some of the best Bel Canto singers in the industry. Among them is Federica Lombardi, who will take on the iconic and challenging title role.

Over the past years, Lombardi has been a rising star who has performed in many of the great theaters. She has become one of the most sought-after Mozartians of her generation, praised for her “authoritative vocal technique” and “beautifully colored” timbre.” Now the soprano returns to the Bel Canto repertoire after a few years. Lombardi first sang the repertoire for her debut at the Teatro alla Scala at the age of 26. The role was “Anna Bolena,” another staple in the Bel Canto operas and one that is known for its challenging part. She later reprised the role at the Deutsche Oper Berlin and was praised for her “noble, sincere and touching” interpretation.

Now as Norma, she enters the pinnacle of the Bel Canto repertoire and will headline a new production in Vienna. Adding to the importance of the event is the fact that the work has not graced the Staatsoper stage in 10 years; moreover, this is the first staged production of the Bellini classic in 45 years. For those not in Vienna for the momentous occasion, Orf III will broadcast the production at a later date.

Additionally, Lombardi will be seen in HD in the Met Opera’s “Le Nozze di Figaro” later this season and will also make her role debut as Elisabetta in “Don Carlo” at the Deutsche Oper Berlin.

Recordings 

For those who want to hear more of Lombardi, the soprano has a recording of “Otello” with Jonas Kaufmann.

Here she is as Anna Bolena, Fiordiligi in “Cosi fan tutte,” and Amelia in “Simon Boccanegra.”