Florida Grand Opera to Stage NORMA at the Arsht and Broward Centers This January

Miami, Fla. -- After a 25-year absence, Florida Grand Opera (FGO) is pleased to bring Bellini's beloved opera NORMA to the Arsht and Broward Centers starting in late January 2016. Considered by many opera lovers to be one of the finest things ever created for the stage, NORMA stands as the most-requested opera by FGO patrons over the past 10 years.

"During the past three years, NORMA by far is the opera most requested by our audience. On numerous occasions, patrons have sought me out to ask for this opera. We are so pleased to bring our audience what they have been asking for during our 75th Season," says Susan T. Danis, General Director & CEO of FGO.

Set in occupied Ancient Gaul, the opera tells the story of the priestess NORMA, who is urged by her people to inspire a rebellion against the Romans. But, she has fallen in love with the Roman proconsul Pollione and borne him two boys. Pollione, for his part, has taken up with another druidess and NORMA's friend, Adalgisa. An impassioned new battle begins as betrayal, torment, and ferocity take the reins. The unforgettable conclusion entails an extraordinary public confession and the ultimate personal sacrifice.

FGO's performances will feature Cincinnati Opera's acclaimed production and will be led by stage director Nic Muni, who has directed this particular production for Seattle Opera (1994), Houston Grand Opera (1996), Los Angeles Opera (1996), and Cincinnati Opera (2003).

"This was a very personal, touchingly human interpretation with great interest in the small details..." said Charles Parsons of OPERA NEWS after its 2003 Cincinnati Opera performance. "It is loaded with penetrating insights and explanations of personal relationships, with subtle historical references. The psychological power of NORMA over her Druid subjects, and the relationship of Pollione and his children, were particularly well-handled."

This highly-anticipated opera will be presented five times in Miami at the Adrienne Arsht Center. NORMA will then move to Fort Lauderdale at the Broward Center for a final two performances.

The opera tells the story of a clandestine love affair bringing two extreme enemies together during a time of war. But when NORMA discovers that her beloved now loves another, an impassioned new battle begins as betrayal, torment, and ferocity takes the reins.

IF YOU GO:

**Sung without amplification in Italian with projected translations in English and Spanish**

MIAMI - Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County / Ziff Ballet Opera House
January 23, 24, 26, 29, 30, 2016

FORT LAUDERDALE - Broward Center for the Performing Arts / Au-Rene Theater
February 11, 13, 2016

Adrienne Arsht Center: $12-250
Broward Center: $21-250

You can order opera tickets securely online at www.FGO.org, or by calling our Box Office at 800-741-1010, Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm.

ABOUT THE CAST:

FGO's production will feature a number of artists making their debuts with the company. The notoriously demanding title role will be shared by Russian soprano Mlada Khudoley (Jan 23, 30, Feb 11, 13) and American soprano Mary Elizabeth Williams (Jan 24, 26, 29), both of whom will be making their FGO debut. Praised by the New York Times for her "lush, sizable and luminous voice," Khudoley has appeared with the Mariinsky Theatre, the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, the Munich Bayerisches Opera, and the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées in Paris"

Commended by the Washington Times for being "a wonderful presence on stage, at once regal and human," Williams has been receiving fervent and consistent acclaim from audiences and critics alike for her signature dramatic coloratura and lirico-spinto soprano roles.

The role of Pollione will be shared by tenors Giancarlo Monsalve (Jan 23, 30, Feb 11, 13) and Frank Poretta (Jan 24, 26, 29). Monsalve, a Chilean tenor, has been called "an unbeatable advantage for many theaters" by Opera News and has been enjoying a thriving global career.

Named a "standout" by South Florida Classical Review, mezzo-soprano Dana Beth Miller returns to FGO in the role of Adalagisa (Jan 23, 24, 26) after her critically-acclaimed performance as Maddalena in Rigoletto. Catherine Martin will share the role of Adalagisa (Jan 29, 30, Feb 11, 13) in her FGO debut.

Conductor Anthony Barrese will return to South Florida after his critically-acclaimed performances of The Pearl Fishers last season, having received accolades from The Miami Herald, ConcertoNet.com, and the Sun Sentinel.