Metropolitan Opera Dedicates Controversial ‘Norma’ to Maria Callas
By Francisco SalazarThe Metropolitan has announced that it is dedicating the run of Bellini’s “Norma” to Maria Callas for her centennial.
In a statement, the company said, “this season’s performances of Bellini’s ‘Norma’ are dedicated to the memory of legendary soprano Maria Callas on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of her birth. Join us in remembering the incredible career of Callas with this season’s stirring revival of Norma.”
The company announced the dedication before the penultimate performance on March 22.
“Norma” was one of Maria Callas’ most famous roles and she performed it at the Met six times in 1956.
This season’s run of “Norma” has been controversial as star Sonya Yoncheva called out critic Zachary Woolfe for comparing her to Angel Blue in a New York Times review. She then went on to call out online bullying and use the controversial term “Vocal racism,” which sparked backlash. Since then she has canceled two performances and was replaced by Angela Meade and Helena Dix.
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