Elza van den Heever returns to the Canadian Opera Company this season, to star in the title role of Bellini’s timeless tragedy, Norma. Performances take place October 23, 26 & 28 and November 5 at the Four Seasons Centre, and also feature Russell Thomas as Pollione, Isabel Leonard as Adalgisa, and Dimitry Ivashchenko as Oroveso, with Maestro Stephen Lord and the COC Orchestra and Chorus. The production, featuring stage direction by Kevin Newbury, was first seen at San Francisco Opera.
Ms. van den Heever previously performed the role to an enthusiastic response from audiences and critics at the Opéra National de Bordeaux:
“The role of Norma is considered a great platform of the lyric repertoire, and the South African Elza van den Heever makes the most of her abilities in this production. It is an opportunity for truly bravura singing, with demands on the soprano for accuracy in the upper reaches, concentration in rapid passages and sheer endurance for the two hours and 30 minutes of music.” (Facts & Arts)
Elsa will also sing Norma later this season (April-May) at The Dallas Opera.