The Wiener Staatsoper is set to present a new production of Bellini’s “Norma.”

Michele Mariotti is set to conduct a new production by French stage director Cyril Teste.

In a statement, Mariotti noted, “‘Norma’ is a triumph of emotions and torments described by the fierce classicism of the music. In my view, there are two moments that make it an opera of shocking modernity: the duet between the two sopranos who unknowingly experience and relive the same emotions of love for the same man (I specifically chose a soprano for Adalgisa so that the magic of the two voices could blend almost indistinguishably), and the first-act finale, which ends with a trio formed by Pollione and the two rivals in love. These are feelings that move along the unusual tracks of intimate everyday life, avoiding easy theatrical spectacle.”

The new production will feature an all-star cast that includes Federica Lombardi in the title role, Juan Diego Flórez in his role debut as Pollione, Ildebrando D’Arcangelo as Oroveso, Vasilisa Berzhanskaya as Adalgisa, and Anna Bondarenko and Hiroshi Amako as Clotilde and Flavio. There will be a second cast in May starring Lidia Fridman as Norma and Freddie De Tommaso as Pollione which will be conducted by  Antonino Fogliani.

“Norma” opens on Feb. 22 and is set to run through May 26.

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