Sonya Yoncheva's first time Norma wows London audiences
Phenomenal Bulgarian soprano Sonya Yoncheva dives into the immensely demanding title role for the first time, following in the footsteps of legends like Callas and Sutherland, who owned Norma in the 20th centur

Antonio Pappano on why Norma is opera's most challenging role
On September 12, Bellini's Norma, one of the greatest operas in the repertoire, comes to Covent Garden after an absence of nearly 30 years.

Why Norma is an operatic masterpiece
The Royal Opera House is putting on Bellini's tragedy for the first time in 30 years. Ivan Hewett talks to Music Director Antonio Pappano about what makes it great (and how hard it is to sing).

Why La Fura’s Norma is playing with fire at Covent Garden
With its chilling nods to druidic practices, Islamic State and hardline Catholicism, La Fura dels Baus’s new production of Bellini’s Norma packs a political punch – but how will it fare with the purists?

Star soprano comes to aid of Royal Opera House - again
Sonya Yoncheva, a Bulgarian soprano, will take on the role of Norma after Anna Netrebko pulled out of the production last week.

Anna Netrebko withdraws from Royal Opera's Norma
Setback for company after Russian star pulls out of production saying her voice has ‘evolved in a different direction’.

Stimme verändert - Netrebkos überraschende Absage
Der Covent Garden Opera ist spektakulär ein Star abhandengekommen: Der russische Starsopran mag nun doch zum Saisonauftakt keinen Bellini mehr singen. Des einen Absage ist des anderen Glück.

Anna Netrebko withdraws from Norma at Covent Garden
Anna Netrebko has withdrawn from the opening of the Royal Opera House season in London, and they haven’t found a replacement. It’s a major setback for the company.