“Norma” by Vincenzo Bellini in Ancient Messene

A tribute to Maria Callas in her homeland

On Saturday, July 12 at 20:30, the Athens Concert Hall returns to Ancient Messene, birthplace of Maria Callas, to present Vincenzo Bellini’s Norma, one of the crowning jewels of the Italian operatic tradition. This concert version of the iconic work will be performed at the ancient theater, featuring an internationally acclaimed cast.

Taking on the formidable title role is Karine Deshayes, the celebrated French mezzo-soprano and one of the most distinguished interpreters of Norma worldwide. The performance is conducted by George Petrou, the internationally renowned Greek maestro and artistic director of Camerata – The Friends of Music Orchestra, offering a unique and prestigious musical experience within the timeless setting of Ancient Messene.

Following recent triumphs in Bordeaux, Toulouse and Strasbourg, Karine Deshayes is joined by a superb ensemble of opera singers with international careers:

• Moises Marin, the Spanish tenor known for the warm timbre and power of his voice, recently appeared as Pollione at the Bilbao Opera.
• Raffaella Lupinacci, a rising mezzo-soprano star with appearances at La Monnaie, Dutch National Opera, Hamburg Opera, and the Rossini Festival in Pesaro, stands out for her distinct vocal color, wide range and magnetic stage presence.
• Christophoros Stamboglis, one of Greece’s most celebrated basses, brings his world-class experience from venues like the Metropolitan Opera, Glyndebourne, Covent Garden and the Grand Théâtre de Genève.

The vocal ensemble Athens Chamber Choir, founded in 2023 and directed by Agathangelos Georgakatos, made its debut at the Göttingen Handel Festival in Germany and will also participate in the performance.

Norma, Maria Callas, and Ancient Messene

Norma (1831) is a milestone in Romantic opera and one of the most vocally demanding works of the bel canto repertoire. The role of Norma was closely associated with Maria Callas, who performed it memorably at Epidaurus in 1960. Born as Maria Kalogeropoulou in the village of Neochori Ithomis, near the ancient ruins of Messene, Callas’s legacy returns home through this production – an artistic homage to the woman who redefined opera with her unmatched artistry and presence.

The character of Norma – a druid priestess, tragic heroine, betrayed lover and noble spirit—navigates themes of suffering, sacrifice, and rebellion. Bellini’s score is a tapestry of lyrical intensity, culminating in the legendary aria Casta Diva, a moment of haunting beauty that hovers between prayer and cry.

The Conductor, the Orchestra & the Ensemble

Camerata – The Friends of Music Orchestra is one of Greece’s leading ensembles, renowned for its musical excellence and innovative programming, with acclaimed appearances across Europe.
Conductor George Petrou has led performances in major opera houses such as the Arena di Verona, Teatro alla Scala, Komische Oper Berlin, La Monnaie, Frankfurt Opera, and Zurich Opera House. He is recognized as a leading interpreter of 18th-century opera and Italian bel canto, celebrated for his theatrical flair and profound musical insight.

The opera will be performed in concert format, with Greek and English surtitles.

Ancient Messene: A Stage Between Memory and Presence

One of Europe’s most impressively restored archaeological sites, Ancient Messene is more than a monument – it is a living canvas for artistic expression. The stone-built theater, with its harmony and timeless aura, becomes not merely the backdrop but an active participant in the performance.
Where once hymns to Asclepius echoed, now Norma’s voice rises in search of redemption, inviting the audience into an experience where antiquity and emotion meet in powerful resonance.