The Boston Lyric Opera is set to showcase Bellini’s “Norma” for the first time in 40 years.

The production will be directed by Stephanie Havey with set designs by Julia Noulin-Mérat, costume designs by Charles Neumann, and lighting designs by Pablo Santiago as part of the production team.

Elena Stikhina makes her debut in the title role alongside Sandra Piques-Eddy as Adalgisa and Jonathan Burton as  Pollione. Alfred Walker will round out the cast as Oroveso, while Robyn Marie Lamp, who is part of BLO’s current class of Jane and Steven Akin Emerging Artists, sings the role of Norma’s maid Clotilda. Omar Najmi sings the role of Pollione’s companion Flavio.

BLO’s David Angus conducts the BLO Orchestra, while Shura Baryshnikov, recognized for her work on BLO’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” last season, serves as Movement Director.

In a press release Esther Nelson said,  “Bellini’s perfect union of words and music, with his long flowing melodic lines and dramatic intensity,
are as hypnotizing now as they were nearly 190 years ago. The story comes from antiquity, but the emotional conflicts experienced by the
characters— their desire for love and power, and their fear and abuse of it—is as pertinent today as it was thousands of years ago. But the headline here is the singers! Elena will be electrifying in this role. To have her, Alfred Walker, Jonathan Burton and Sandra Piques-Eddy on stage together will thrill audiences.”

Norma opens on March 13 and runs through March 22, 2020 for five performances.