One Vote for the Norma

RENÉE FLEMING ON FUTURE BEL CANTO ROLES: "But I don't know how many more new opera roles there'll be -- I've done so much, there's plenty I'm happy to revisit. Maybe some more bel canto: everyone tells me to do or not to do Norma, and I've been looking at Donizetti's Maria Stuarda and Anna Bolena. But I don't want to do anything that beats up my voice. I'm limiting the opera to two or three roles a year, and spending more time on concerts and recitals."

Count this blog as one vote for the Norma. The Norma-phobia currently infecting the Met must be cured.

The diva who conquered America; interview with Rupert Christiansen [Telegraph UK]

(PS. We'll take the house premieres of the two Donizettis as well. In addition to the Norma.)